Breadwinner Burnout
/“Gigi, I don’t want to betray myself and stay too long.”
Stacey found herself in a role that no longer "lit her up" when she went to work. She was carrying added responsibilities—without the promotion that was “in the works” for several months. She felt her company’s leadership wasn’t guiding the team toward the outcomes she envisioned and knew was possible. She was tired of being the token “Only” in management and being cast as the “Office Oprah,” listening to everyone else’s problems…as if she didn’t have real shit to deal with.
Moreover, she wanted to feel more spaciousness and time for herself, her health, her family & friends. She was worn-out from working during the day and in the margins of nights & weekends.
She was O-V-E-R. It.
Stacey had already stayed beyond her expiration date. Things were already starting to stench.
She expressed to me a deep desire to make a make a major change in her career, but…
-Her family depends heavily on her earnings.
-Her husband’s work helps, but doesn’t make a big enough financial dent where she felt she could just quit her job to “find herself” or go start-up a new biz.
-She was already overwhelmed by her current responsibilities, let alone all the energy and work needed to find a new high-paying position doing work she loved.
I’m seeing more and more women, especially WOC, in a similar position.
Over the last decade Latina, Asian, and Black woman have been graduating college and attaining advanced degrees at higher rates than their male counterparts.
They have overachieved themselves into roles and routines that burn them out.
Moreover, they tend toward over-doing for others and under-loving themselves.
And let’s not forget single moms—which account for over 65% of Black working women—the Breadwinner Burnout is R.E.A.L.
Some women stop and wonder, “How did I get here?”
And if she’s courageous enough (or just burned-the-fuck-out enough) she’ll ask,
“How do I get out?”
Like you, dear Reader, Stacey—a high-performing woman—has courage in spades.
She reached out and got support.
I’ll let her tell the rest in her own words:
“In working with Gigi, I was able to work through the root causes of my burn out and why I was deprioritizing myself. I still struggle with putting myself first, and likely will always face this challenge, but I found a way to work through this and past it in a much more effective way. She helped me identify my values, coping skills, and practical ways to live the life I have full potential to lead. She did it with grace, vulnerability, and discipline, all of which helped me feel safe to truly put in the tough work and shift my mind and actions to prioritize myself. In the course of several months together, I was able to practically integrate physical activity back into my life and schedule, be more present with my kids when we were together, create better boundaries at work, and land a dream job with a work culture more in line with my values.”
Y’all. Don’t sleep on what Stacey accomplished.
-Yes, she got a new job doing work she loves and is passionate about.
-Yes, she got a substantial pay raise and title bump.
-But she did it without having to skimp on family time, without going days (let’s keep it real…weeks) neglecting her body by skipping workouts and stress-eating & binge drinking.
Stacey re-defined and realized a higher quality of life.
A sustainable quality of life.
Reader, whether you work with me or not, I want you to know:
You’re not alone in what you’re experiencing.
You are enough. You are worthy of living the life you want.
You can “Have it All” in your career and life without compromising your body, your mental well-being, your relationships, and your happiness.
If you’re ready to ditch working from a place of fear and obligation, click here to schedule a complementary Breakthrough call.
P.S. Catch me Live on FB this Thursday, June 2nd at 1pm PT/4pm ET where we’ll talk more about the Breadwinner Burnout phenomenon. Click here for the live link.
P.P.S. Do a good deed and forward this to woman who needs to know.
Live well,
Gigi Gibbs