Reclaiming your confidence after a toxic job experience

Angela V.

I once left a job that looked amazing on the outside—but behind closed doors, it was chaotic, unkind, and eroding my self-worth. I questioned my judgment, second-guessed every decision, and carried a quiet shame about what had happened. Leaving was only the beginning of healing. I had to unpack what I experienced, untangle my identity from the toxic culture, and remind myself of who I really was. It wasn’t instant, but with reflection, support, and new opportunities, I began to feel strong again. If you’ve walked away from a painful work environment, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Let’s talk about how to process what you’ve been through and rebuild your confidence moving forward.

Navigate neurodivergence in the workplace with strength and self-trust

Angela V.

Being neurodivergent in a traditional work environment can feel like constantly trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I’ve masked my ADHD for years—writing everything down, overpreparing, and pretending things didn’t overwhelm me when they absolutely did. It was exhausting. Eventually, I stopped trying to ‘fix’ myself and started leaning into what actually worked for me. I found ways to advocate for my needs, build systems that supported my brain, and let go of shame around doing things differently. If you’re navigating a similar path, I see you. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to succeed—and your brain is not broken. Let’s talk about how to own your strengths and thrive authentically.

Overcoming work and family burnout and finding balance

Blessed D.

I was juggling everything: my career, my family, my responsibilities as a wife and mom, and it felt like I had it all, but internally, I was burning out. My work was demanding and stressful, and at home, I was constantly trying to be everything to everyone, especially to my two boys, one of whom has special needs. I found myself drained, emotionally and physically, and didn't know how to keep up. To cope with the overwhelming exhaustion and frustration, I began drinking more often. It became a way to numb the stress. I didn’t even recognize how deeply I was struggling until my father’s battle with dementia added even more emotional weight. That was my breaking point. I knew I had to make a change or I’d lose myself entirely. I decided to quit drinking and started working on my mental and physical health. Through hypnotherapy, mindful movement, and a diet that supported my energy levels, I began to regain control. While the burnout isn’t gone, I now have healthier coping mechanisms, and I’ve learned to balance my life in a way that honors my well-being without neglecting my family and career. Sharing my story has been a way for me to heal and let others know that it's okay to ask for help and to take time for themselves.

Spotting burnout before it breaks you

Carrie M.

For months, I kept telling myself I was just tired. I'd wake up exhausted after a full night's sleep, drag myself through the day, and collapse on the couch feeling like I had nothing left to give. Work that used to energize me felt overwhelming, and I found myself snapping at people I cared about. I kept thinking if I could just power through, things would get better. But they didn't. I was running on empty and didn't even realize how empty the tank had become. The wake-up call came when I realized I'd stopped enjoying things that used to bring me joy. Everything felt like effort—even simple conversations with friends or activities I used to love. I wasn't just tired; I was completely depleted. I had to face the fact that the way I was working and living wasn't sustainable. The hardest part was admitting I needed to step back when everyone was counting on me, but I finally understood that I couldn't keep giving from an empty well. Recovery wasn't a quick fix—it was a gradual process of rebuilding my energy and rediscovering boundaries I'd let slip away. I had to learn to say no without guilt, to protect my time fiercely, and to recognize the early warning signs before I got to that breaking point again. Most importantly, I learned that rest isn't selfish; it's necessary. If you're feeling depleted, overwhelmed, or like you've lost yourself in the demands of life, I've walked that path and found my way back.

Burnout because you’re not lazy

Christine D.

I used to think burnout meant being tired. Like maybe I just needed a nap, a weekend off, or a better planner. But burnout isn’t just exhaustion, it’s a kind of soul-weariness. It’s waking up and feeling like your tank is on Empty, even after a full night’s sleep. It’s dreading your to-do list, feeling numb to things you used to care about, and quietly wondering if something is wrong with you because you just can’t anymore. For me, burnout came after years of trying to be the reliable one. The hard worker. The person who didn’t complain, who pushed through. I ignored the signs: the brain fog, the irritability, the constant fatigue, the Sunday dread. I thought rest was something you earned, not something you deserved just for being human. Eventually, my body and my spirit forced me to slow down. And in that stillness, I realized how much I had been running on fear—fear of being replaceable, of not doing enough, of letting people down. Burnout made me rethink everything: how I work, who I do it for, and what I need to feel okay. If you’re feeling depleted, disconnected, or just done—you’re not weak. You’re not failing. You’re probably burnt out. And you deserve space to talk about it.

Balancing parenthood and reclaiming your peace after burnout

Jane K.

I’m a divorced mom of three boys, and raising them has brought me every challenge and joy under the sun — from the terrible twos to teenage moods and everything in between. One of my children has special needs, which added another layer of learning, advocating, and adjusting as a parent. I’ve spent 30 years in corporate America, mentored countless young people along the way, and even ran a daycare center for a time. A few years ago, I reached a breaking point in a job that left me overwhelmed and exhausted, so I made the tough decision to leave and focus on rebuilding my mindset and my life. That work led me to become a professional coach, and I’ve found such purpose in helping others step into their own strength and self-belief. As a lifelong people pleaser, I’ve had to learn how to balance caring for others with caring for myself — and now I love supporting parents and professionals who are trying to do the same. I’m here to help you navigate your own challenges and remind you that you’re stronger than you think.

Finding yourself again in midlife after burnout and divorce

Jill K.

Hi, I’m a divorced mom of four (ages 7 to 16), and a few years ago, I hit a wall—hard. Professionally, I was burned out. Personally, I was unraveling. I had always been the one who “had it together,” but inside, I was crumbling under the weight of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and unspoken mental health struggles. At 40, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and it was like turning on a light in a room I didn’t know I’d been sitting in all my life. That diagnosis became a starting point—not just for understanding my brain, but for learning how to stop abandoning myself. I’ve been slowly and steadily untangling my identity from old stories and outdated roles. Divorce brought its own set of heartbreak and growth, especially as a mom trying to guide four kids through the same transition. There’s no roadmap for rebuilding your life in midlife, but I’ve gotten really good at getting curious, asking the right questions, and leaning into the unknown. I don’t have everything figured out, but I’m no longer afraid to start over—and I’d love to walk with you while you find your way, too.

Raising a child as a single teen parent

Lyndsie B.

I had my son when I was 17 years old, still a junior in high school, and it changed my life completely. Balancing school, work, and a newborn was overwhelming at times, but I was determined to create a better life for both of us. With help from friends and family, a lot of long nights, and even longer days, I managed to graduate, go to college, and eventually earn a Master’s degree. It wasn't easy. There were moments I felt like I was failing, moments I missed milestones, and moments I didn’t know if I could keep going. But through it all, I built a beautiful relationship with my son, who is now an amazing young man. Being a single teen parent forced me to grow up fast, but it also gave me incredible resilience, compassion, and strength that I carry with me today. I understand the loneliness, the fear, and the pure determination it takes to parent young and alone. I'd love to support others who are navigating this tough, beautiful journey.

Surviving the job market and navigating career ups and downs

Micah L.

I graduated from college in May 2020, right into the pandemic-era job market. I felt lucky to land a job just a few months later, but it quickly revealed itself to be a toxic environment. I was laid off that October, and a long stretch of underemployment and instability began. I didn’t find consistent full-time work again until September 2021. That second job felt like a lifeline, but after about a year and a half, I was laid off again—only to be re-hired a week later when they realized they needed me back. In the brief window of that layoff, I had already started interviewing for a new role. I kept going with the process and, after multiple rounds, landed a better job: one that came with a raise and opportunities to grow. I was then able to leave the company that had laid off and re-hired me. Since 2020, I’ve experienced firsthand how chaotic and unpredictable the job market can be. I’ve learned what it takes to stay afloat through layoffs, rejections, and burnout, and have developed strategies for applications, interviews, and finding the confidence to keep going. If you’re feeling defeated by job searching, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to share practical advice and remind you that your worth is not defined by your employment status.

Side hustles, burnout, and building income streams around your interests

Micah L.

From October 2020 to September 2021, I was unemployed and navigating a really tough job market. To stay afloat during that time, I tapped into the gig economy and explored side hustles. I started with Shipt deliveries, then leveraged connections from college to land freelance work in PR and copywriting. Once I landed a full-time job in September 2021, I stepped back from side hustles to focus on my new role. But when I was unexpectedly laid off again (and then re-hired a week later), I jumped back in. I began freelancing in social media for a skincare brand—work I kept doing for a full year, even while transitioning into my current job in May 2023. These days, I also post my own skincare content online, which lets me combine a personal passion with creative work. I’ve learned that side hustles can be a powerful way to make progress toward your financial goals (whether it’s saving for a car, building an emergency fund, or just having extra money for travel or fun purchases). They can also be an outlet for creativity and personal interests that your full-time job doesn’t fulfill. While side hustles can be great, balancing everything takes strategy, boundaries, and self-awareness to avoid burnout. I’d love to help others find that balance and build side income in a way that feels sustainable.

Navigating stress and balancing relationships

Nicole D.

I’ve spent much of my life juggling multiple roles—educator, author, and caregiver—and I’ve learned how easy it is to become overwhelmed by the weight of it all. Several years ago, I met a wonderful man, and that relationship taught me a lot about emotional intimacy. But as someone prone to overworking, my stress levels spiraled, triggering depression at times. Balancing my career with my responsibilities as a parent, while also dealing with my own mental health, was tough. There were moments when I felt completely drained, and as the strong friend, I had a hard time asking for help. The truth was, I needed someone to listen to me, but I was often the one holding space for others. I spent a lot of time reflecting and healing from this cycle. One of my most profound realizations was the importance of creating emotional space in relationships—not just for others but for myself, too.

Setting boundaries in your personal, professional and family life

Ronna P.

I was taught that being of service was the key to being a good person. By 8, I already believed that my worth came from self-sacrifice. “Since your mom says you can only invite 3 girls, I’ll stay home,” I’d say. In my teens, overextending myself felt like a superpower. The idea of considering my own needs brought shame. As an adult, with a growing circle—husband, child, coworkers, friends—I kept giving, even as my time shrank. I believed I had to earn love through effort. But eventually, I burned out. I felt resentful and invisible. The truth? I didn’t know how to set boundaries. That realization changed everything. I dove into learning, therapy, and observing those who honored their own needs and others’.Recently, I even gave a professional talk on healthy boundaries. If you struggle to set limits without guilt, I see you. I’ve been there. Let’s work together to create a plan that honors YOU, too.

Career change, recovery, and rediscovering joy

Sandy P.

For 15 years, I stayed in a high-stress career that drained me. I woke up with dread, constantly afraid of making mistakes or being exposed as not good enough. The job consumed my life—I worked late nights and weekends, chasing perfection. I didn’t consider leaving because the money was good and I had no idea what else to do. Fear had me stuck. And substance use only made things worse. Then, 10 months into recovery, I was fired. At the time it felt devastating—but it became the break I didn’t know I needed. I had the option to return to my old field, but it felt unbearable. Instead, I went on disability, enrolled in school, and started asking deeper questions about my past. That’s when everything changed. I found work in a new field that actually energized me. People saw in me what I hadn’t yet seen in myself. I started waking up excited for the day. Sobriety gave me tools to check in, course-correct, and stay grounded. If you’re feeling stuck or burned out, let’s talk. I know what it’s like to be there—and how it feels to finally break free.And drugs and alcohol made it worse. 10 months into recovery, I was fired. Unbeknownst to me, this turned out to be the best career-change opportunity I could ever have imagined. I had career support to continue in the field I was in, but the thought of it was debilitating. I was concerned about finances in the long term but was temporarily covered by a reasonable settlement. My new-found freedom subconsciously boosted my self-confidence. As it turned out, I went on disability for a year, and I went back to school to find out why the therapists in my life never confronted me about my substance use. A lot later I remembered they had. A whole new world opened to me because of this seeming catastrophe. I found employment in the new field based on my work history. My employer and my professors saw in me a natural affinity for the new work. It never occurred to me that I would not be successful. I was able to work from knowledge and intuition. Now I experienced excitement when I awoke, looking forward to whatever the day would bring. And I maintained my sobriety, finding in recovery the tools to assess my thinking and behavioral mistakes and then make course corrections. If your story in any way patterns mine and you want to get support steering your story toward a successful conclusion, let us talk about it. I mostly get what is going on for you. Our conversation can fill in the gaps.

Being overwhelmed and over-worked

Tim L.

I serve in a high-stress industry, which means I have had to find ways to cope with various issues that come up in the workplace, such as unclear roles, being passed over, being burned out, and overworking. I have experienced job loss, long-term unemployment, job transitions, feeling worthless and unheard, and more.