Don’t Wait Til You’re Burnt Out to Start Planning Your Exit
Burnout doesn’t show up overnight.
It creeps in, slowly, and silently.
And before you know it, you’re not just tired, you’re toast.
Done. Fried. Disconnected.
I’ve felt it. The numb hustle, the forced smiles, and the Sunday scaries that start Friday night.
If you’re there, or heading there, let’s talk, because this isn’t about quitting. It’s about reclaiming your damn life.
Start by noticing what your body and soul are screaming at you
Burnout starts in whispers, tension in your neck, snapping at people you love, and brain fog that won't lift. But ignore it long enough? It becomes a roar.
Here’s what to look for:
Physical red flags
You’re always tired, even after sleeping
Headaches, stomach issues, and random body pain
Getting sick more than usual
Mental and emotional cues
You dread the work you used to enjoy
Everything feels pointless or "meh."
Cynicism, irritability, and emotional swings you can’t explain
Behavior that’s out of character
Missing deadlines or barely scraping by
Avoiding people
Drinking or numbing more than you want to admit
This is a warning.
Don’t wait until you break. Plan your exit before burnout takes the wheel.
Look, I get it. You’re loyal, you’ve built something, and maybe you’ve got golden handcuffs on.
But staying in a burning building out of obligation doesn’t make you noble. It makes you crispy.
Exiting from a place of strength is always better than crawling away in survival mode.
Why early planning matters:
You make better decisions. Desperation breeds bad choices. Clarity creates options.
You protect your reputation. Leaving well is powerful. It sets you up for what's next.
You stay financially stable. Planning = breathing room. Reaction = panic.
So what’s the plan?
It starts with you.
Your values, your capacity, and your vision beyond the next paycheck.
1. Check in with your gut
Ask:
What do I love about what I do?
What sucks the life out of me?
What do I need that I’m not getting?
2. Map your skills
Figure out where you shine. Where do you need to grow, and what new skills might open doors you haven’t even seen yet?
3. Expand your field of view
You don’t have to stay on the same path. Look at:
Other industries
Consulting gigs
Building something of your own
Talk to people, ask real questions, and be curious, not desperate.
4. Set real goals
Short term:
Update your resume or portfolio
Have three conversations with people doing what interests you
Start saving more aggressively
Long term:
Define what “freedom” looks like
Choose industries or roles that align with your values
Create a 12-month transition timeline
5. Know your why
If you’re just running from something, you’ll recreate the same pain somewhere else.
You need something to run toward.
Build your support crew
You’re not supposed to figure this out alone.
Talk to mentors, find a coach, and get in community with people walking the same road.
And loop in your personal crew too. Let them see behind the curtain. You’ll need their support when doubt kicks in (because it will).
Count the cost before you leap
Burnout doesn’t just drain your energy. It can drain your bank account if you don’t plan.
Get your financial house in order:
Emergency fund: Aim for 3 to 6 months minimum
Trim the fat: Cut the nice-to-haves
Know your benefits: What happens to health insurance or 401k if you bounce?
Negotiate wisely: If you’re being pushed out, don’t just walk; strategize.
Final word: Don’t drift.
If your soul is tired, pay attention.
God didn’t put you here to suffer through 40 years of dread. You were made for impact. Purpose, life beyond Slack notifications and shallow success.
Burnout is real. So is recovery.
But you’ve got to move, not recklessly, not perfectly.
Just move.
And if you need someone who's walked that road to listen or reflect on what you're wrestling with, shoot me a message.
If you're thinking seriously about what comes next for your work and life, check out our guide on How to Exit Your Business on Your Terms for a simple, no-fluff checklist to help you start building toward your next chapter.
FAQs
What are the signs of burnout that I should be aware of?
Chronic fatigue, emotional numbness, irritability, decreased performance, withdrawal from people, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues.
Why is it important to plan my exit strategy before I reach the point of burnout?
Because desperation clouds judgment. Planning from a place of strength gives you more choices, preserves your reputation, and protects your finances.
How can I create a long-term career plan to avoid burnout and plan my exit?
Start with self-awareness, know what lights you up and what drains you. Then map out your skills, research new paths, and set both short- and long-term goals.
What financial considerations should I take into account when planning my exit from my current role?
Build an emergency fund, understand your benefits, cut unnecessary expenses, and negotiate any severance or unused PTO if applicable.
How can I build a support network to help me transition out of my current role and avoid burnout?
Find mentors, talk to peers who’ve made similar moves, hire a coach if needed, and keep close to your inner circle. Don’t go it alone.
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