burnout forced me to rebuild — here’s what i learnt

Ever looked like you had it all together while secretly running on empty?

That was me. On the surface, I had a thriving career, a full calendar, and big opportunities that just kept coming. But behind the scenes I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and drowning in self-doubt.

It all came crashing down one day, when one simple question from my doctor—”How’s work?”—opened the floodgates. I was exhausted, broken, and completely disconnected from myself.

What came next changed everything. I lost my job and the organization I’d built—but with time, support, and amazing family and friends, I slowly found my way back. And when I did, I knew I couldn’t go back to how things were.

That moment marked the start of everything new — and today I run a successful business in just 12 hours a week, anchored in strong systems that support me and my clients.

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, stuck in survival mode, or wondering if burnout is just part of the deal, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll share the lessons burnout taught me, and the practical shifts that helped me build a calm, clear, and truly sustainable business.

From burnout to £50k per year and a 12-hour workweek (in under two years)

A month after burning out, I quit my job and handed over the organisation I’d poured my heart into. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done — but also the start of something amazing.

For the first time in years, I paused. I listened. I gave my body and mind space to breathe. Burnout became my greatest teacher.

In that quiet space, I realised: I didn’t want to return to a version of success that left me depleted. So I started again, slowly and intentionally.

Here’s what I built:

  • A content writing and strategy business tailored to my energy and lifestyle.

  • A focus on quality over quantity, with fewer clients and a greater impact.

  • £50K+ in revenue within two years, without ever working more than 20 hours a week.

  • Now, I work just 12 hours a week teaching other women how to achieve the same, with simple, streamlined systems that support me and my clients.

Ready to start building a calmer business? Download the Calm Growth Guide today for free tools and support.

What burnout taught me — and what it can teach you

With 94% of women likely to experience high or extreme levels of stress, burnout has become far too common. But with the right systems, you can prevent stress from taking over.

Here’s what burnout taught me about building sustainable systems:

  • Boundaries protect your peace.

  • Saying no creates space for what truly matters.

  • Systems are the framework that supports your vision.

  • Clear processes allow scalable growth without chaos.

  • Your well-being is the foundation of your business.

Burnout isn’t a sign that you’re not capable — it’s a sign that you need a new way forward. When you honour your limits, build supportive systems, and lead from a place of well-being, everything changes.

Restructure your business to protect your energy

You don’t have to choose between purpose and peace — you can have both. The key is working with your energy, not against it.

Start by asking yourself:

1. What boundaries will protect my energy and focus?

If you’re always “on,” your energy drains fast. Strong boundaries create space for what truly matters.

Here are a few ideas to help you establish strong boundaries:

  • Block out your most important work hours and treat them as non-negotiable.

  • Say no to projects or requests that don’t align with your priorities.

  • Limit when and how often you check email or social media.

  • Create rituals to switch off work mode, like a walk or closing your laptop.

2. What systems can help me work more efficiently?

The right systems provide you with breathing space, consistency, and time to focus on what matters most.

Use my CLEAR Framework™ to start building supportive systems:

  • C – Clarify your recurring tasks: What’s taking up your time and headspace?

  • L – List what can be streamlined: Spot repetitive work to automate or delegate.

  • E – Eliminate what’s not working: Ditch clunky tools or unnecessary steps.

  • A – Align your support: Use simple tools like calendars, templates, or task managers.

  • R – Refine your processes: Document workflows to avoid reinventing the wheel.

3. How can I align my work with my well-being?

Your business should support your health, not drain it. When you protect your energy, business becomes clearer, easier, and more enjoyable.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Schedule regular breaks to recharge.

  • Prioritize movement, hydration, and good food — even on busy days.

  • Build weekly rituals to reflect and recalibrate, like journaling, walking, or meditation.

  • Set realistic goals that respect your pace and celebrate small wins.

Build a business that feels great

Burnout was one of the toughest lessons I ever had, but it gave me the blueprint I now teach to others every day: your business can sustain you — so long as it’s designed with clarity, simplicity, and your energy in mind.

If you want practical support to create boundaries and systems that protect your peace, I’ve put together tools and coaching for founders like you who are ready to rewrite their story.

Book a Power Hour today, and let’s create a clear, actionable plan to simplify your business — so you can build for success without the burnout.

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