Why Successful Women Are Burning Out

The Unspoken Epidemic

Why Successful Women Are Burning Out

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Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why am I so exhausted all the time?” You’re not alone. I have been there myself on more than one occasion. 

Successful women across the globe are grappling with a silent epidemic—burnout. This isn’t just the occasional feeling of overwhelm from juggling responsibilities; it’s a chronic state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. The statistics are staggering:

• 60% of professional women report feeling burned out.
• Women are twice as likely as men to experience burnout.
• 75% of women feel unfulfilled in their careers.

These numbers paint a sobering picture. And they got me curious as to WHY. And the next natural question… what can we do about it? 

For all you men out there… carry on reading! Not only is much of this relevant to you too. Men definitely do burnout AND you likely have women in your life who may be at risk too. 

The Silent Struggles of Success

Being a high-achieving woman often comes with a hidden cost. Society still expects women to excel in their careers, their relationships, to manage a home, be healthy and if they have children, to be a nurturing mother—all without breaking a sweat. These unrealistic expectations create a breeding ground for stress and exhaustion.

Burnout doesn’t discriminate by age or industry. It impacts women in boardrooms, classrooms, hospitals, and homes. The combination of external pressures, and a fascinating combination of self-sabotaging behavioral traits (high achiever, people pleaser and perfectionist) can lead to a toxic cycle of overcommitment and self-neglect.

Recognizing the Symptoms

For me burnout in my medical career came on so gradually I didn’t notice it until it was at a crisis point. I look back and wish I had known the signs or that someone had pulled me aside and said, “I’m worried about you”. 

The truth is that burnout often sneaks up on people. It may start as simple fatigue but can escalate into severe mental health issues if left unaddressed. Here are some common signs:

• Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained and unable to cope.
• Detachment: A growing sense of cynicism or disconnection from work or loved ones.
• Decreased performance: Struggling to focus or accomplish tasks you once excelled at and errors: both omission (forgetting to do something) or commission (making a mistake).

Why Are Women More Susceptible?

Research shows that women experience burnout at twice the rate of men. This disparity stems from several factors including:

1. The double shift: Many women juggle full-time careers with managing a home alongside primary caregiving responsibilities (children and ageing relatives).
2. Emotional labor: Women often take on the role of mediator, nurturer, and emotional anchor in their personal and professional lives. In many professions, in addition, it is still frowned upon to speak up and admit to the struggle. 
3. Systemic challenges: Gender bias, pay gaps, and fewer opportunities for advancement create added stress. Furthermore, since this issue is seldom addressed in the workplace, supervisors and colleagues may lack understanding of what you’re experiencing, leaving you without the support you need.

Breaking the Cycle

It’s time to challenge the culture of overwork and reclaim our well-being. Here are some actionable steps to combat burnout:

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Schedule time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s coaching, yoga, journaling, or a relaxing bath.

2. Set Boundaries

Learn to say “no” without guilt. Protecting your time and energy is key to avoiding burnout.

3. Focus on Nutrition and Exercise

A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, lean proteins, and omega-3s fuels your brain and body. Combine this with regular exercise to boost mood and resilience.

4. Seek Support

Share your struggles with trusted friends, a coach, or a therapist. You don’t have to face burnout alone.

5. Challenge Perfectionism

Having worked with thousands of people I can safely say: There is no such thing as a perfect human and doing a task perfectly is extremely rare. Set a new standard… that of doing your best on any given day. 

6. Consider Brain Health

High stress takes a toll on your brain. Fall in love with your brain and incorporate strategies like mindfulness, deep breathing, and learn techniques to manage anxiety and regain focus.

Finding Fulfillment

If you are one of the 75% of women who feel unfulfilled in their careers, it’s time to reflect. Are you pursuing a path that aligns with your values and passions? Coaching can help you determine whether you need a career shift or whether you need to work on your mindset to redefine success and reignite your purpose.

Let’s Start a Conversation

Burnout thrives in silence. Share your story in the comments. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now? You might find that others are navigating the same struggles—and together, we can support each other in finding solutions.

A Free Resource for You

To help you on your journey, I’ve created a free life audit, so you can take stock of your life situation today. Let’s work together to take back control of your life.

Remember

You are not alone, and you are not powerless. Burnout is a signal—not a weakness. It’s a sign that something in your life needs to change. By addressing it head-on, you can rediscover the joy, energy, and fulfillment you deserve.

Let’s reclaim our balance, one step at a time.