Why Gen X Women Experience Burnout and What Companies Should Do About It
Adrion Porter
Founder of Mid-Career Mastery?. LinkedIn Top Voice. Speaker. Host of Gen X Amplified Podcast. Creator of the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series. Marketing Executive.
Summary: In last week's inaugural edition of this "Mental Health in the Middle" three-part series for the Mid-Career Mastery newsletter, I explored the widespread but often unspoken crisis of midlife, mid-career malaise, and its impact on mental wellness. To continue this critical dialogue, I am now laser focusing on a very specific demographic that frequently bears an outsized burden of burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm — yet remains underrepresented in discussions about workplace well-being: Gen X women.
Meet "Jennifer."
Jennifer is a fictional persona, yet she embodies the quintessential experiences of many Gen X women. At 49, she is a high-achieving, high-performing professional working in the corporate sector. Armed with a graduate degree and a career journey filled with significant accomplishments, Jennifer should be at the peak of her life.
Yet, despite these credentials, she finds herself at an emotional and professional crossroads.
The enthusiasm that once fueled her ambition has waned, leaving her perpetually tired—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Jennifer is also a dedicated wife with 15 years of marriage and a mother to two children, ages 17 and 12. Her wonderful parents, in their senior years of retirement, also live nearby. But they are both grappling with cognitive and physical challenges that come with older age.
This aspect of her life underscores the dual pressures faced by her generation, caught between raising children and caring for aging parents.
As Jennifer navigates the complexities of mid-career and midlife, she is in search of refuge, and deeper meaning and satisfaction in both her work and personal life.
She is overwhelmed, undervalued, stressed, and unfulfilled.
Yes...
Jennifer is burnt out.
Jennifer's story is an illustrative example that mirrors the realities of so many Gen X women. These women, in the middle of their lives and careers, are navigating complex roles in both their personal lives and workplaces, often without the recognition or support necessary to sustain their well-being and professional ambitions.
And yet, they are often overlooked in the broader narrative about the serious and profound implications of both personal and professional burnout.
Burning all the Candles From Both Ends AND the Middle
"So what I kept hearing again and again was just this sense of being overwhelmed. Because a lot of women specifically, were working full time stressful jobs, while also doing most of the caregiving in the family for children and aging parents, while going through perimenopause. And it just seemed to be leading to a lot of anxiety."
When New York Times bestselling author Ada Calhoun wrote her essay, "The New Midlife Crisis: Why (and How) It's Hitting Gen X Women" for Oprah.com in 2017, she ignited a global conversation about the unique pressures faced by her generation.
Her subsequent book, Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis, published in January 2020, built on this momentum, diving deeper into the challenges that define the new midlife crisis phenomenon among Gen X women.
The roots of Calhoun’s work trace back to her own personal struggles with midlife crises. Through her extensive research and numerous conversations, she uncovered a pattern of malaise affecting many other Gen X women, driven by their unique position in the so-called "sandwich" generation—juggling career pressures, family responsibilities, and the physical changes of perimenopause.
I had the privilege of discussing these issues with Ada on my Gen X Amplified podcast, where we unpacked her book and also explored the narratives and lived experiences of women caught between these demanding pressures.
During our discussion, Ada and I talked the universal "happiness U-curve" that affects so many in the middle, and the crisis specifically affecting women who are at the bottom of that curve.
Ada also shared compelling insights from the many stories shared with her from her interviews of women experiencing this phenomenon.
"So what I kept hearing again and again was just this sense of being overwhelmed." Ada reflected. "A lot of women, specifically, were working full-time, stressful jobs, while also doing most of the caregiving in the family for children and aging parents, while going through perimenopause. And it just seemed to be leading to a lot of anxiety."
These dynamics were already an unfortunate reality for many women. However, little did Ada know that just two months after the release of Why We Can't Sleep, the onset of a global pandemic would further amplify the stress and burnout that many Gen X women were already experiencing.
Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady Overwhelmed: The Pandemic Magnified a Common Pain Point
"I think that sandwich generation feel of Gen X, hits harder at a time like this. When you really are confronted with being a parent, being a child, being a friend, being a spouse, being a business owner, being a two-career couple...it's a lot."
In the early stages of the pandemic, I hosted a special LinkedIn LIVE episode of Gen X Amplified , featuring my good friends and renowned thought leaders Tara Jaye Frank and Lindsey Pollak , both highly acclaimed authors and LinkedIn Learning instructors.
This episode focused on their unique experiences navigating the unprecedented challenges of the time, particularly from the perspective of Gen Xers.
Both Tara and Lindsey, who have also been featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight series, shared their own personal stories and insights into the intense pressures they were facing during that moment.
Tara candidly shared her day-to-day struggles and the emotional weight she felt, both personally and professionally. With her children at home and aging parents living nearby, the heightened anxiety and pressures of the pandemic created an overwhelming situation.
"It was starting to weigh on me, emotionally and spiritually," Tara shared. "Because some of us are honestly just trying to find our moment or our space of sanity and peace."
Lindsey echoed similar sentiments, pointing out the intensified pressure of being part of the sandwich generation during such a tumultuous time.
"I think that sandwich generation feel of Gen X, hits harder at a time like this." Lindsey mentioned. "When you really are confronted with being a parent, being a child, being a friend, being a spouse, being a business owner, being a two-career couple...it's a lot."
Overall, our conversation highlighted the widespread impact of the pandemic on Gen X women, reinforcing that these challenges are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, systemic issue that needs urgent attention.
A C-Suite Leader’s Transformation: From Personal Burnout to Lighting a Path for Others
"As a Latina in the C-suite, the loneliness alone was challenging enough. Add the relentless demands of COVID, social unrest, economic uncertainty, interpersonal tensions, and continuous organizational turmoil, and the pressure nearly wore me out."
One of my favorite quotes that I live by is, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This adage, often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, serves as a clarion call that guides my actions and purpose.
Well, Daisy Auger-Domínguez (she/her/ella) is a trailblazing leader who truly exemplifies this creed.
Featured in my #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series , Daisy is not only an acclaimed author and speaker but also an expert in organizational culture and leadership.
Well Daisy is now amplifying a new rallying call by providing profound insights into the burnout crisis through her brand new book, Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People.
In Burnt Out to Lit Up, Daisy chronicles her journey from exhaustion to renewal and offers valuable lessons for leaders facing similar challenges. Also in a recent and poignant post here on LinkedIn, Daisy reflected on her experience with burnout:
"As a Latina in the C-suite, the loneliness alone was challenging enough." Daisy wrote. "Add the relentless demands of COVID, social unrest, economic uncertainty, interpersonal tensions, and continuous organizational turmoil, and the pressure nearly wore me out."
These experiences led her to a breaking point, but they also sparked a realization: burnout should not be an inevitable part of leadership.
Daisy’s narrative of resilience and transformation is more than just an inspiring story; it serves as a practical blueprint for many Gen X women navigating similar paths.
By demonstrating that overcoming burnout is achievable with intentional, compassionate leadership, Daisy is laying the groundwork for broader organizational strategies for creating environments where all professionals, especially seasoned female leaders, can thrive without succumbing to burnout.
In Closing: Let's Cultivate and Celebrate the Resilience of Gen X Women — Because They Do Run the World
Gen X women are an integral part of the workforce, known for their experience, dedication, and resilience. Occupying crucial roles across organizations, they also increasingly holding significant portions of leadership and are dominating the C-suite.
As they navigate the unique complexities of mid-career and midlife, it is critical for organizations to commit to fostering inclusive and supportive workplaces.
Here are some essential actions organizations can take to better support, cultivate, and celebrate Gen X women in today's world of work:
To further illuminate the power of this phenomenal cohort, here's a special clip showcasing a selection of powerful Gen X women—including Daisy, Lindsey and Tara—who have been featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series:
Special Shoutout to the other Fabulous Women Featured in the Above Clip:
The personal and professional excellence of these women should not only inspire but also drive us to create workplace environments where challenges like burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm—common to mid-career and seasoned Gen X women—are not just recognized but actively mitigated.
This commitment will open pathways for all women, no matter their age, to truly flourish, shine, and thrive at work and in life.
Gratitude and Reminders
Thank you so much for reading this edition of the Mid-Career Mastery Newsletter. I am honored and I truly appreciate it. If you enjoyed this article, please share with others who you think would receive value from it.
Stay tuned next week for the final edition in this special three-part "Mental Health in the Middle" series of the newsletter to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month.
Please also check out last week's inaugural edition of the series A Candid Conversation About the Midlife, Mid-Career "Malaise" and Why It Matters , if you haven't already.
And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already to be notified when new editions are published!
About The Author:
Adrion Porter is a speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, workforce strategist, age inclusion advocate, and the founder of Mid-Career Mastery?, a consultancy for organizations and their mid-career and seasoned talent.
A former 20+ year marketing executive, Adrion is now on a mission to help others master and maximize their transformative middle years and beyond.
Adrion is frequently invited by organizations around the world to present his signature model, The Mastery Map?, which codifies three proven pillars of transformation for navigating and thriving in your career at any age or stage.
For keynote speaking, workshop, or thought partnership inquiries, please reach out to Adrion here on LinkedIn, and/or visit: adrionporter.com .
Recruiter / Hospitality / Retail Staffing Solutions / Mobile Home Parks / Passive Returns on Auto-Pilot
5 个月Adrion, this article hits home! As a Gen X woman in the capital raising industry, I've seen firsthand the burnout that can happen. It's so important for companies to prioritize mental health and create inclusive cultures. Thanks for shedding light on this!
I elevate & empower ambitious doctors & leaders
5 个月This experience is exactly the same for Millenial Women
Chief People Officer | Board Member | Author | TEDx Speaker | University Trustee | LinkedIn Top Voice | Ex-Moody's, Time Warner, Disney, Google, Viacom, and Vice Media HR Exec
5 个月Thank you for including me in this insightful article!
Adult Educator l Community Builder l Global Citizen
5 个月Looking forward to reading this! Ageism and sexism form such an ugly intersection. And just imagine how being part of a sandwich generation, where one is caring for children and parents, could add to one's burdens.