My OFW Story: From Burnout to Breakthrough

“I was working 24-hour shifts, 264 hours a month. My body was breaking down. My mind was drained. I felt trapped in a cycle I couldn’t escape.”

But I told myself:

“This is normal. This is part of being a nurse. This is what I signed up for.”

?? Yet deep inside, I knew something was wrong.

9 Years Ago: Taking the Biggest Leap of My Life

Nine years ago, I took the biggest risk of my life.

I left the Philippines and moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE—stepping into the unknown with nothing but faith, determination, and the dream of building a better future.

I took a leap of faith to pursue my nursing career, believing it would be the key to making my dreams come true.

At first, everything seemed right. I worked hard, pushed through challenges, and gave my all to my profession.

But over time, the weight of exhaustion, burnout, and the reality of being an OFW started to sink in.

When My Body & Mind Gave Up on Me

The long hours and constant stress took everything from me—my health, my energy, my joy.

?? Chronic back pain & hip bursitis made even simple movements painful.

?? I was put on painkillers, muscle relaxants, and supplements just to get through my shifts.

?? I wasn’t even granted proper time off because we were understaffed.

One morning, I woke up crying before my shift even started.

I sat at the edge of my bed, staring at the floor, completely drained. My heart was pounding with anxiety.

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”

But I had no backup plan. No other source of income. No escape.

That’s when I realized:

If I don’t make a change, my health—and my future—will only get worse.

The Shift That Changed Everything

I had spent years taking care of others, but who was taking care of me?

That’s when I made the decision to prioritize my health, my mindset, and my future.

?? I started working out—at first, just to move my body, but eventually, I found strength in it.

?? I switched from painkillers to high-quality supplements that supported my body instead of harming it.

?? After 4 years, I finally reached out for therapy—because mental health is just as important as physical health.

I started healing my body, nourishing my mind, and taking control of my life.

But something was still missing…

I was still trading my health for a paycheck.

I was still tied to a job that didn’t give me freedom.

And that’s when I realized:

?? My fear of trying something new was keeping me stuck.

The Turning Point: From Burnout to Purpose

?? I didn’t just want to survive—I wanted to thrive.

?? I made my health non-negotiable.

?? I built a business that aligned with wellness & freedom.

?? I found purpose beyond just surviving day to day.

And now, I help other nurses, OFWs, and high achievers do the same.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

?? Burnout doesn’t have to be the end of your story.

Let’s Talk

If you’ve ever felt stuck, exhausted, or questioning if this is really the life you wanted—you are not alone.

? You are allowed to choose yourself.

? You are allowed to build a life where you don’t have to sacrifice your health.

? You are allowed to take control of your future.

Drop a ?? in the comments if this resonated with you or send me a DM—I’d love to connect.

#BurnoutToBreakthrough #NursesOfLinkedIn #MentalHealth #CareerChange #OFWJourney