Wow, what a powerful and deeply relatable story! I like how you shared your journey with such honesty and vulnerability. It’s tough when a work environment just isn’t right for us, and your description of reaching a breaking point reminded me of how I felt when I got to mine. I especially loved the metaphor of a “fallow season” and how you’ve embraced this time to rest and rediscover yourself. What a great reminder that it's okay to step back, heal, and give ourselves the space we need to grow. Thank you for sharing this, I felt every word.
Oh and I should mention that it is interesting when we take the time to come back to ourselves and learn about our own preferences and do what we want, that often it doesn’t look “impressive” from the outside. I used to dress really nicely, apply my makeup well, be thin, getting my masters, teaching and building a career etc and have the outward appearance of the ‘perfect’ life. Until I had to burn it all down and now I’ve gained weight, have untraditional work that makes less money and often don’t wear makeup and just put on what is comfortable rather than “flattering”. But I’m being way more authentic
Wow, I really resonate with all of this Elizabeth. You sum up my very short 'career journey' very aptly. Like you I now make much less money (I currently contribute less than a quarter to our household income). And yes to this - 'often don’t wear makeup and just put on what is comfortable rather than “flattering”. But I’m being way more authentic'. Agreed! 💛
I love the reframing of a “fallow year”. It makes it seem natural to take a break, to rest, to recuperate and to allow things to settle. Recovering from burnout takes A LOT longer than most would think, it’s not just a long weekend of naps and then you’re good to go. I’m glad you have the time and support to recover ❤️
Absolutely, I spent the first six months after my resignation sleeping an extra 4-5 hours a day some days. I know some people need more, but I'm not a great daytime sleeper. It's only recently I've stopped taking afternoon naps altogether, though I will often have a lie down on the sofa in the afternoon, even if it's just for an hour or two x
Just came across these words and I felt a sweet sense of recognition as I read your sentences.
“All I know is that there was a very large part of me that desperately wanted to be ‘normal’ - to be able to cope in a normal job, wearing normal clothes, and not fall apart at the end of each day (and week). Everyone else seemed able to cope with the demands on their time and energy, so why couldn't I?”
I have wondered this so many times, including very recently in a post I didn’t publish. I’ve been in a pause for almost about 2 years now and I’ve never really found the words to write about it. So it’s beautiful to read yours. Thank you.
Thank you Isabel, it means the world to me that my writing & experiences resonate with you 💛 I can recommend Charlie Rewilding if you're after more of the same - every post I think, "How does she know??" I've never felt so seen as I have when reading her posts, so I really recommend. There's quite a few posts in her archive so take your time to savour them & enjoy :)
Amazing, thank you for the valuable recommendation! I read reveal of her articles straight away and definitely felt validated in many ways. It’s crazy what a difference it makes to know “oh, this is a thing”! Will be looking forward to continue getting glimpses into your path as well 🙏
Hi Hanna, thanks for sharing the link to your post - I find it sad & frustrating that so many of us only discover our neurodivergence during or after burnout... but also grateful in a weird kind of way that burnout often seems to be the pivotal thing that starts the diagnostic journey.
Yes this exactly! I wish it didn’t require burnout but I don’t know if I would have otherwise discovered it when I did. And as you can imagine, my own realization had ripple effects to others…
Just logged in to find a notification for this post. I had no idea my writing had connected with someone else in that way - so glad it found you at the right time. Here's to finding the pockets of cosy and the little wins along the way. xx
Thank You xxx
You're welcome 💕
Wow, what a powerful and deeply relatable story! I like how you shared your journey with such honesty and vulnerability. It’s tough when a work environment just isn’t right for us, and your description of reaching a breaking point reminded me of how I felt when I got to mine. I especially loved the metaphor of a “fallow season” and how you’ve embraced this time to rest and rediscover yourself. What a great reminder that it's okay to step back, heal, and give ourselves the space we need to grow. Thank you for sharing this, I felt every word.
Thank you for your kind words 💛 I encourage you to check out the post I linked to by Bex, if you haven't already
Oh and I should mention that it is interesting when we take the time to come back to ourselves and learn about our own preferences and do what we want, that often it doesn’t look “impressive” from the outside. I used to dress really nicely, apply my makeup well, be thin, getting my masters, teaching and building a career etc and have the outward appearance of the ‘perfect’ life. Until I had to burn it all down and now I’ve gained weight, have untraditional work that makes less money and often don’t wear makeup and just put on what is comfortable rather than “flattering”. But I’m being way more authentic
Wow, I really resonate with all of this Elizabeth. You sum up my very short 'career journey' very aptly. Like you I now make much less money (I currently contribute less than a quarter to our household income). And yes to this - 'often don’t wear makeup and just put on what is comfortable rather than “flattering”. But I’m being way more authentic'. Agreed! 💛
I love the reframing of a “fallow year”. It makes it seem natural to take a break, to rest, to recuperate and to allow things to settle. Recovering from burnout takes A LOT longer than most would think, it’s not just a long weekend of naps and then you’re good to go. I’m glad you have the time and support to recover ❤️
Absolutely, I spent the first six months after my resignation sleeping an extra 4-5 hours a day some days. I know some people need more, but I'm not a great daytime sleeper. It's only recently I've stopped taking afternoon naps altogether, though I will often have a lie down on the sofa in the afternoon, even if it's just for an hour or two x
Just came across these words and I felt a sweet sense of recognition as I read your sentences.
“All I know is that there was a very large part of me that desperately wanted to be ‘normal’ - to be able to cope in a normal job, wearing normal clothes, and not fall apart at the end of each day (and week). Everyone else seemed able to cope with the demands on their time and energy, so why couldn't I?”
I have wondered this so many times, including very recently in a post I didn’t publish. I’ve been in a pause for almost about 2 years now and I’ve never really found the words to write about it. So it’s beautiful to read yours. Thank you.
Thank you Isabel, it means the world to me that my writing & experiences resonate with you 💛 I can recommend Charlie Rewilding if you're after more of the same - every post I think, "How does she know??" I've never felt so seen as I have when reading her posts, so I really recommend. There's quite a few posts in her archive so take your time to savour them & enjoy :)
Amazing, thank you for the valuable recommendation! I read reveal of her articles straight away and definitely felt validated in many ways. It’s crazy what a difference it makes to know “oh, this is a thing”! Will be looking forward to continue getting glimpses into your path as well 🙏
Loved your words and really related! Thank you 🙏
Thank you! Much appreciated ♥️
Your experience sounds very familiar! I wrote about my burnout experience here - after which I discovered my neurodivergence. https://open.substack.com/pub/purposefulconnection/p/it-all-started-with-a-panic-attack
Thanks for sharing your story!
Hi Hanna, thanks for sharing the link to your post - I find it sad & frustrating that so many of us only discover our neurodivergence during or after burnout... but also grateful in a weird kind of way that burnout often seems to be the pivotal thing that starts the diagnostic journey.
Yes this exactly! I wish it didn’t require burnout but I don’t know if I would have otherwise discovered it when I did. And as you can imagine, my own realization had ripple effects to others…
Yes! The ripple effect is real... my husband is probably on the spectrum and might now pursue his own diagnosis. That's a topic for another post! 😁
Just logged in to find a notification for this post. I had no idea my writing had connected with someone else in that way - so glad it found you at the right time. Here's to finding the pockets of cosy and the little wins along the way. xx
Thank you for your kind words! I found your blog/business prior to finding Substack, as I'm bit Scandinavian/Nordic/hygge obsessed!!