By Joanna B. Biscette - BSc, MSc, LL.M
Oct 4, 2026
Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions? It’s a familiar sentiment—burnout is a term that seems to pop up everywhere these days. From workplaces to social media, and in conversations about mental health and professional wellness, it’s a hot topic. But how many of us truly recognise when we’re experiencing burnout ourselves?
It's not always as dramatic as the image of someone completely falling apart. Sometimes, it looks like a dedicated professional who continues to show up every day—answering emails, attending meetings, meeting deadlines, and maintaining their responsibilities. They might even smile and say, "I'm fine."
Yet beneath that surface, something has shifted. Recently, as I sat with a group of incredible women and truly listened to their stories—both the words spoken and the silences that spoke volumes—I noticed a concerning trend. It appears many were in a state of mere existence.
They weren't necessarily giving up or unable to function; instead, they were operating on autopilot. Just sufficient to get through the workday, returning home to handle only what was absolutely necessary, and then waking up to repeat it all again.
It was striking to see the absence of energy for anything beyond the basics. There was little desire to pursue new interests or take on additional projects. The motivation for personal development—a spark that once ignited so much passion—had faded. The excitement about what tomorrow might bring felt like a distant memory.
It’s a subtle but profound shift that deserves our attention. Let’s shine a light on this experience and begin to recognise the signs of burnout, so we can reignite that passion for living and thriving once more.
Just pause for a moment and think: "Let me get through today." This simple thought shifted my perspective on burnout in a profound way.
What happens when merely "functioning" becomes our yardstick for well-being?
We often celebrate resilience, don’t we? We admire the individual who never seems to falter under pressure, the professional who juggles work, family, leadership, and community roles like a pro. We hear phrases like:
"She’s so strong."
"She can handle anything."
"She’s always reliable."
But what if the ability to keep pushing forward is merely hiding the fact that someone is utterly depleted inside?
It’s entirely possible to function while grappling with exhaustion. You can hit those deadlines and still feel drained. You can achieve success yet feel emotionally disconnected. You can be physically present at work while mentally counting down the minutes until you can escape.
Sometimes, the biggest red flag isn’t when someone stops working altogether; it’s when they stop engaging. The bare minimum effort can say a lot. There’s a crucial difference between choosing to streamline your life and facing a reality where you can only manage to do what’s absolutely necessary.
This distinction is vital. Some phases of life call for doing less. Rest is crucial. Setting boundaries is essential. Learning to say "no" can be liberating. But when "I can’t handle anything more" settles into your daily reality, it’s time to pause and reflect.
What happened to your curiosity? Where’s your enthusiasm? What about the part of you that was brimming with ideas? Remember your willingness to dive in? What’s become of the things you once couldn’t wait to partake in? And most importantly: When did merely surviving the week become the new standard?
Burnout is not a solitary phenomenon; it transcends industries. It touches every profession—from healthcare and education to finance, hospitality, management, customer service, government, and beyond.
Different jobs come with different pressures and responsibilities, yet too often, the underlying sentiment remains the same: "I’m tired of carrying this weight."
Many professionals have honed the art of functioning under pressure to such an extent that they may not even recognize when something is off. They might label it as stress, a demanding season, or think to themselves:
"I just need a vacation."
"Things will calm down after this project."
"I’m just going through a lot right now."
"Everyone is feeling exhausted."
Maybe that’s true. But all too often, the vacation ends, and the fatigue lingers. The project wraps up, and a sense of emptiness still hangs in the air. The weekend arrives, yet you find yourself spending most of it merely recovering enough to face Monday again.
Eventually, you might find that your feelings of fatigue go deeper than just being tired. It’s time to turn your attention inward and uncover what truly needs your care before burnout settles in.
Think about the professional who’s no longer chasing “more.” It’s not about more money, promotions, or qualifications. It’s about seeking more out of life—more connection, more joy, more creativity, more meaningful conversations, more time to reflect, and more space to breathe. It’s about having the energy to truly enjoy the beautiful life you’ve worked so hard to build.
This is a vital distinction. The goal of professional wellbeing shouldn’t merely be about asking, “Can you keep working?” Perhaps a better question is, “Do you still have the capacity to embrace your life?”
What if, over time, you stop recognising yourself? Burnout can shift how we view ourselves. The ambitious person might fade into indifference, the enthusiastic individual can withdraw, the creative spirit may halt their creations, and the social butterfly begins to retreat. The one who once cared deeply might start saying, “Whatever.” Not because they’ve lost that care, but because they’ve given so much without enough opportunity to recharge.
Here’s where we must proceed with caution. Not every episode of low energy equates to burnout. Not every dip in motivation signals a crisis. There are numerous reasons for feeling emotionally, physically, or mentally drained, and some of those may require professional support. However, we shouldn’t overlook the signs just because someone seems to be functioning.
Instead of asking, “Are you coping?” let’s aim for better questions. Rather than “Are you managing?” we could be asking, “How are you truly experiencing your life right now?” Instead of “Are you getting your work done?” consider “What’s the cost of getting that work done?” Shift from “Why aren’t you as motivated as before?” to “What has changed in your life?”
Rather than waiting for someone to reach a breaking point, let’s create environments where professionals can candidly discuss what they’re facing before it’s too late. You don’t need to wait until you feel like you're collapsing.
This is precisely why I’m passionate about intentional spaces for reflection and coaching. Coaching doesn’t cure burnout—it’s not a substitute for proper medical or mental health care. But it provides a structured opportunity for professionals to pause, reflect, and ask some hard-hitting questions:
What am I truly experiencing?
What is draining my energy?
What am I tolerating that needs to change?
What have I stopped doing that I enjoy?
What do I need right now?
What boundaries should I set?
And perhaps most importantly, "Who am I becoming during this phase of my life?"
Sometimes, the first step isn’t about making grand changes. It’s about being honest with yourself about what’s happening. You can’t intentionally change what you haven’t acknowledged.
To anyone just getting through the day: if this resonates, don’t automatically label yourself as lazy or convince yourself you’ve lost your ambition. Don’t assume that everyone else is coping better than you. And don’t wait for a complete breakdown before allowing yourself to seek help.
You may be feeling depleted and in need of rest, a conversation, professional mental health support, or medical guidance. You might need to establish boundaries or reevaluate your burdens. Perhaps you simply need someone to help you create a little space to think about what comes next.
Whatever it is, pay attention. Your ability to function is not the only indicator of your well-being. You deserve more than merely surviving your professional journey; you deserve the chance to thrive within it—and beyond.
“The Professional Behind the Performance” is a Creative Hyü Support Hub conversation focusing on the individual behind the title, the job description, and the professional persona. Sometimes, the person who appears to be managing it all is the one who needs someone to ask, “But how are you, really?”
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