Here are a few ways to help a client on the brink of burnout: Encourage self-care: Suggest activities like meditation, exercise, or hobbies to reduce stress. Set boundaries: Help them establish clear work-life boundaries to prevent overwork. Prioritize tasks: Teach them effective time management techniques to reduce overwhelm. Seek support: Encourage them to talk to a friend, family member, or therapist for emotional support. Reassess goals: Help them evaluate their career goals and consider if they align with their current situation. Remember: Burnout is serious. It's important to provide a safe and supportive space for your client to address their needs.

Coaching on the brink of burnout is not always about helping them "bounce back" with resilience, but more about empowering them to get boundaries into place and induce self-care ASAP. Burnout is serious. I use my 6-step process of Stop, Drop & R.O.L.E. often: 1. Stop - everything. 2. Drop - the story you're telling yourself and the expectations. 3. Reflect - How did you get here? What boundaries have you put in place (or lack)? 4. Observe - What is your true mental state and do you need mental/health care at this time? (coaching is not therapy). 5. Listen - to your body, loved ones and your gut. What are they telling you? What is the reality? 6. Evolve - Regroup, make a "you first" decision, and have the necessary crucial conversation(s).

You will bounce back once you step back from the situation to see an exit. I had no hope when the doctor gave me two months of sick leave because I was burnt out. Only when I considered HR as my next step and realised that I could leave my job for something else did I find the strength to take the step. Speak with people, get some inspiration, but also take the time for yourself. Be easy on yourself; people have already taken a lot from you.

Most career coaches, myself included, aren’t certified counselors or psychotherapists. While we can validate feelings and offer practical advice, there’s a line when it comes to burnout. If a client is truly on the edge, one of the best things you can do is steer them towards professional mental health services, which can go beyond offering career advice. From a career coach’s perspective, I’d focus on small, actionable changes—like reevaluating their workload, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. But it's vital to recognize when deeper help is needed and guide them to the right support.

If a client is facing burn out I would create a self care game plan with them, collaborating with them to find actual solutions. Finding ways for them to recharge on a daily basis and long term as well. Day-to-Day Suggestions: Evaluating ways to implement breaks during their workday would be important, even micro-breaks are useful. I would also encourage them to evaluate their workload at work. There might be tasks they can streamline to make their job easier. Long Term Suggestions: Encouraging them to take PTO as soon as they are able to recharge. Noting that their PTO doesn't necessarily have to be a big vacation but could be used as a staycation as well.