Overworked, Overwhelmed, and Over It: Healing from Burnout in a Culture That Glorifies Hustle
Workplace burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s about being depleted—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Whether you’re a perfectionist, a people-pleaser, or someone navigating an overwhelming job culture, burnout can feel like a slow erosion of your identity. At Walk With Me Counseling Center in Chicago, Illinois, we believe healing begins with acknowledging what’s not working.
The Cost of Always Being "On"
Workplace stress and burnout have become alarmingly common in recent years. We’re praised for being busy and penalized (whether overtly or subtly) for resting. Decades of research highlight the consequences of overwork, which go far beyond simple fatigue. Burnout is linked to:
l Anxiety and depression
l Physical symptoms like hypertension, headaches, and chronic fatigue
l Disconnection from loved ones
l Reduced job satisfaction
l Increased risk of long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
New Research: Burnout Changes the Brain
A 2025 study out of South Korea examined the brains of overworked healthcare professionals. Those working 52+ hours per week showed structural changes in brain regions responsible for emotional regulation and executive functioning. This means overwork doesn’t just make you tired—it rewires your brain.
One of the researchers, Dr. Wanhyung Lee, called it "one of the first studies to examine the relationship between prolonged working hours and structural brain changes."
It’s no longer a question of whether burnout is serious. It is.
The Illusion of Reward
In many industries, being overworked is seen as a badge of honor. Productive workers are given more work. High performers are rewarded with higher expectations. This cycle is unsustainable.
Pew Research found that nearly half of American workers don’t take their full vacation time. In another survey, 66% of U.S. employees reported experiencing burnout. Most cited reasons like:
l Too much work with too little time
l Lack of support or resources
l Industry-wide labor shortages
And let’s not forget the social reinforcement of hustle culture. For many, rest is seen as weakness—a luxury, not a right.
Workaholism: The "Respectable" Addiction
Nearly half of American workers identify as workaholics. Unlike other addictions, this one is often praised. But under the surface, it’s driven by deeper issues like:
l Perfectionism
l Low self-worth
l Need for external validation
l Early childhood modeling of unhealthy work patterns
Dr. Barbara Killinger, in her book Workaholics: The Respectable Addicts, calls out how damaging this addiction can be, not just to the worker, but to families and communities.
The Rise of First-Gen and BIPOC Burnout
For many first-generation professionals and people of color, the stress of work is compounded by cultural expectations and systemic inequities. You’re not just working for a paycheck—you’re trying to break cycles, represent your community, and hold everything together.
This often means:
l Working longer hours to prove worth
l Navigating microaggressions or being the only person of color in the room
l Feeling guilty for setting boundaries
Therapy can help unpack these layered burdens.
6 Ways to Reclaim Your Well-Being
Burnout recovery isn’t just about taking a nap or booking a weekend off. It requires realignment. Here are six ways to begin:
1. Know your burnout drivers - Is it perfectionism? People-pleasing? Financial fear? Identifying your burnout "fuel" is the first step to regaining control.
2. Redefine productivity - More hours doesn’t equal more value. Set realistic goals. Learn to recognize when “good enough” is enough.
3. Use your PTO - Vacation days are part of your compensation. You earned them. Use them without guilt.
4. Speak up at work - Talk to supervisors about unreasonable expectations. You might be surprised by their willingness to adjust—especially when burnout leads to turnover.
5. Explore hybrid or flexible options - If possible, talk to your employer about changing how and where you work. Flexibility helps many workers regain a sense of balance.
6. Seek therapy - Burnout doesn’t just fix itself. A therapist can help you explore what’s driving your exhaustion, teach coping tools, and support your recovery.
Therapy Is a Radical Act of Rest
At Walk With Me Counseling Center, we often help clients who have been carrying too much for too long. Whether you’re a high-achiever, a caregiver, or just someone who feels like they're running on fumes, we see you.
In therapy, you can:
l Process your burnout without judgment
l Learn to set boundaries that protect your peace
l Explore who you are outside of productivity
l Reconnect with joy and rest
We understand the cultural, familial, and systemic layers that impact your experience. Our team is committed to creating safe, affirming, and identity-informed spaces—especially for Black, Latino, Asian, and first-gen professionals.
Your Job Shouldn’t Cost You Your Health
The truth is: we weren’t meant to grind ourselves into the ground.
You deserve a life that includes rest, joy, and connection—not just survival.
Ready to Reclaim Your Peace?
Walk With Me Counseling Center is here to help if you're overwhelmed by burnout, perfectionism, or the nonstop pressure to perform. We offer virtual therapy sessions across Illinois, so support is just a click away whether you're in Chicago or another part of the state.
Complete our Intake Form today and take the first step toward protecting your mental health.
Your well-being should be your top priority. Don’t let workplace stress control your life. Whether you're an overachiever, a parent, a first-gen success story, or simply tired of running on empty, we’re here to walk with you—through healing, boundaries, and a new relationship with rest.
