As an introvert and people-pleaser, I took on too much work without even noticing, and before long, my dream job was exhausting me.
As an introvert, I thrive on routine: I enjoy the predictability and comfort of following set schedules and familiar patterns day-to-day. Waking up at the same time, sticking to my planned workouts, making frequent visits to my favorite coffee shop, and hanging out with friends — these little routines make me feel grounded and secure.
At the same time, I have an adventurous streak that craves newness and discovery. While too much change at once can feel jarring, I periodically need to mix up my routine and add some excitement. Whether it’s traveling somewhere new for a long weekend, trying out a restaurant I’ve not been to before, or even just taking a different route for my daily walk, these small changes provide a spark and sense of anticipation that appeals to my introverted nature. My ideal balance is a comfortable routine interspersed with moments of surprise, challenge, and a change of pace.
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The Perfect Job for Me
When I was offered a job working in events, I was ecstatic. As an introvert, I found that this role allowed me to thrive on routine while also pursuing exciting new challenges. I loved the predictable rhythms of planning regular events, relying on relationships with familiar faces, and following set procedures to ensure flawless execution. Adhering to established timelines and plans gave me comfort and confidence. At the same time, I relished the creative thrill of organizing unique, one-off events and putting my stamp on them through inventive themes.
My introverted nature was nourished by the organizational routine yet hungry for originality and novelty. By blending the familiar with the cutting-edge, I was able to utilize the best of both worlds in my events role. Though demanding at times, my work in events gave me a profound sense of meaning and purpose by allowing me to apply my skills in planning and creativity in a fast-paced environment.
I was part of a top-performing team of four amazing women, and we were envied for our productivity and results. Although we were colleagues, I always saw them more like friends. We worked seamlessly as a unit and genuinely enjoyed one another’s company. Our days together felt less like a job and more like hanging out with close friends. I knew they had my best interests in mind, as I did theirs. It was our tight bond that allowed us to excel as a team. Our office became a home away from home.
As an introvert and people-pleasing perfectionist who loves helping others, I would often take on too much work without realizing it. If I knew a colleague had a heavy workload while mine was lighter, I’d offer help and take on some of their tasks. My colleagues were grateful, and I was glad to help lighten their load.
But all that extra work started to affect me.
From Overworked to Burnt Out
For the first 18 months, I loved my job and my incredible colleagues. But our exceptional teamwork meant expectations and pressure were high, so we worked twice as hard as everyone else. The intense pace, which was once rewarding, became too draining for my introverted nature. I struggled to set boundaries and say no, despite my rising exhaustion. My desire to help meant going above and beyond. While pride and camaraderie kept me going, there were signs this demanding environment could lead to eventual burnout — which it did.
The unrelenting work pace and pressure led me to develop daily anxiety attacks and insomnia, depriving me of good sleep for months. I was utterly exhausted, yet felt I couldn’t let my team down, so I kept my struggles private. Even though the stress of the job started to manifest physically, my commitment to showing up for them meant I stopped showing up for myself. I was running on empty with no time to recharge my depleted mental and physical energy.
Suffice it to say, my health and well-being suffered tremendously. The chronic stress took its toll, and I crashed hard from burnout. I had pushed myself too far, for too long, without proper boundaries or self-care. The high-pressure job that was once manageable became unsustainable. I needed to step away and prioritize my health first.
How I Recovered From Job Burnout
I decided to take sick leave and dedicated a month to healing myself and improving my mental and physical health. Recognizing that the high-pressure job was no longer right for me, I began actively applying for new roles. I established a routine of self-care to help me recover from burnout.
Each morning, I’d wake up early and go for a walk as the sun rose. Despite the springtime chill, feeling the breeze on my face invigorated me. I also signed up for guided hikes run by a local organization. Though outside my comfort zone, these walks proved insightful, and I was glad I tried something new.
Along with physical activity, I focused on nourishing my body with healthy foods and daily milkshakes packed with nutrients. Activities like yoga and meditation complemented my renewed fitness regimen. A digital detox provided much-needed relief for my overwhelmed mind.
Through this month centered around self-care, I strengthened myself both mentally and physically after hitting rock bottom. Stepping away from the toxic job environment allowed me to truly address my health struggles. Though the future felt uncertain, restoring my well-being was the priority. Each small positive habit brought me closer to recovery, and I emerged on the other side with a greater understanding of my boundaries and capabilities.
Do you ever struggle to know what to say?
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A Job That’s Better Suited to My Needs as an Introvert
During my sabbatical, I interviewed for two appealing new jobs. To my excitement, I was offered one of the positions. After feeling trapped in my unsustainable job for months, this opportunity felt like a blessing, and the joy of receiving the offer was immense.
I returned to my former job to complete my final weeks with renewed purpose, savoring the walk into the office. I finally understood that it was time to graciously move on rather than jeopardize my health and happiness any further. I needed a better work-life balance.
When I announced my resignation, my colleagues were fully supportive, wishing me the best. Their heartfelt well-wishes reassured me that this was the healthy path forward. Though this had once been my dream job, it was now time to pursue new dreams. I left proud of my accomplishments, yet wise enough to set new boundaries. This introspective chapter of my life had equipped me to thrive in roles better aligned with my introverted needs.
When I announced my resignation, my colleagues were fully supportive, wishing me the best. Their heartfelt well-wishes reassured me this was the healthy path forward. Though this has once been my dream job, it was now time to pursue new dreams. I left proud of my accomplishments, yet wise enough to set new boundaries. This introspective chapter of my life had equipped me to thrive in roles better aligned with my needs as an introvert.
As I reflect back now, almost a year since I left, I have a greater understanding of my limits and needs as an introvert. While I’m proud of how our team persevered under intense pressure, I can now recognize when environments become unhealthy. I will carry lessons from that job forward while maintaining compassion for my former self.
Though difficult, the intense period of burnout and recovery gave me clearer insight into safeguarding my well-being. I emerged stronger, with renewed energy to pour into roles that engage yet nourish me. My adventurous spirit has not been extinguished; it has simply grown wiser. As I embrace new challenges, I do so with an introvert’s mindset — thrilled by variety, but requiring balance. I step forward with greater trust in myself, and I hope you can do the same.
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