Burnout as a symptom, not a verdict
Dear Helper,
During my last round of burnout, I became snappy and snarky. I'd ruminate about work while I was off the clock, detailing injustices till each of my moments are blistered and burned. I dripped in shame at each minor mistake and was annoyed when loved ones tried to talk with me. I'd think bitterly, "I'm not your therapist."
At some point in our careers, most of us will feel burned out, exhausted, or emotionally depleted.
- Reduced empathy or compassion is one of the most common signs of burnout.
- When you notice that you don’t care as much as you used to, take heart.
- This is a symptom…not a new reality.
Like a fever or a runny nose, feeling crispy is a signal. It’s not a verdict on your expertise or evidence that you need to change careers.
“Things in nature merely grow…Plants have but one goal: to live. In order to live they grow when they can, and go into dormancy if needed.”
- Yiyun Li
During the times that you are too tired, do you ever give yourself permission pause, rest, or ‘go into dormancy’ for a bit?
If so, I'd love to hear from you - what types of rest work best for you?
(My favourites are cold swims, scrolling for cat memes, and playing board games.)
A Few Updates
- North American Readers!! My new book, START HERE: A Practical Guide For the Overwhelmed, is now available as an e-book on Amazon and Bookshop.
- Openings! For people living in North America, I have a few openings for professional mentoring and reflective consultation. Email me if you're interested and please spread the word.
- My 14 March training "Start Here and Keep Going: Developing regenerative work and life practices after burnout" is open to everyone! Register here.
Wishing you a smooth transition back into the work and school routine. As the mornings turn crisp, our bird feeder is swarmed with young birds fat with fluff and squawking for food.
Warmly, Kerry
Events & News
More details on all events at this link.
- NELSON Book Event: 13 March 2026 Book signing and talk at Page & Blackmore Booksellers
- Day Long Training: 14 March 2026 - "Start Here and Keep Going: Developing regenerative work and life practices after burnout" - all welcome!
- PETONE Book Event: 19 March 2026, joint author talk with Ben Sedley
- Online Training: 15 Sept 2026 "ACT For Burnout" - register here.
Free resources
- I'm offering a year of gentle monthly reflections to help us all build a "Good Enough Year" - find them all here.
- I had a great time talking compassion and burnout with Megan Walsh: