How to Survive Burnout When Your Workload Feels Overwhelming

Dear friend,

In today’s letter to you, I will be answering the question “How to Survive Burnout when Your Work Feels Overwhelming?”

“You’re a rockstar! Keep it up!” That’s what they tell you after you’ve pulled yet another late night trying to meet impossible deadlines. But here’s the thing: even rockstars need rest, or they’ll crash and burn.

Burnout is no longer the occasional whisper we dismiss with coffee breaks and “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” memes. It’s now a full-blown shout for help—especially in workplaces where layoffs, cost-cutting, and never-ending to-do lists have become the norm.

This is the story of so many employee : “We haven’t filled an open role in two years. Every time someone leaves, their work just gets dumped on us. The execs are only focused on profit goals, and we’re left barely surviving.”

Sound familiar? Well that's because it might just be your story right now. Burnout isn’t just about being tired; it’s about being stretched so thin that even the smallest task feels insurmountable. Let’s talk about how to deal with it—because you deserve more than just “hanging in there.”

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is that feeling of running on empty, where your emotional, mental, and physical energy are completely drained. It’s when you start to dread Monday mornings, and even the things you used to enjoy feel like a chore.

Signs of burnout include:

• Constant exhaustion, even after rest.
• Cynicism or a lack of care about work.
• Difficulty focusing or getting tasks done.
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues.

It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s your mind and body screaming, “This isn’t sustainable!”

Why Burnout Is So Common Now

The modern workplace often feels like a hamster wheel: constant motion, no escape. Many companies prioritize profits over people, leaving employees to pick up the slack.

One fact is that most times, “ Companies lay off people to maintain profits. Then those left are expected to take on double the work. Customers will definitely complain because the solution is not sustainable ,it puts too much pressure on a few. The sad truth is that some executives don't care—as long as the profit margins stayed high.”

It’s a system designed to squeeze every ounce of productivity out of workers, with little regard for the toll it takes.

How to Deal with Burnout

You can’t always change your workplace, but you can take steps to protect your well-being.

1. Set Boundaries and Speak Up

Start small: say “no” when your plate is already full. If your workload is overwhelming, communicate with your manager. Be clear but respectful:

• “I want to deliver my best work, but I’m currently juggling too much. Can we discuss priorities?”

Advocating for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

2. Prioritize Rest

Your downtime is sacred. Make it non-negotiable. Whether it’s binge-watching your favorite show, taking a long bath, or going for a walk, do things that help you recharge. And stop checking work emails after hours—it can wait.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

Sometimes, the only way to survive is to make the best of a bad situation. If you can’t change your workload, look for small wins:

• Delegate where possible.
• Break tasks into manageable chunks.
• Celebrate small victories, even if it’s just clearing your inbox.

4. Invest in Yourself

Burnout often feels worse when you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t align with your goals. Take this as a chance to learn new skills or explore other opportunities. Sometimes, “Long-term employees burn out because they realize they’re growing the company, not themselves.” Don’t let that be you.

5. Know When to Walk Away

If your workplace is toxic and unwilling to change, leaving might be the best option. It’s not failure—it’s self-preservation.

What Companies Should Be Doing

Let’s call it out: burnout isn’t just an employee problem. Companies need to step up by:

• Hiring enough staff to handle workloads.
• Offering mental health resources and flexible schedules.
• Valuing employees as people, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.

But until they do, it’s up to us to prioritize our well-being.

Thank you for reading today’s Solution Letter.

To Your Ultimate Success,

Yemi Solves