My Journey: Burnout, Advocacy, and Finding My Purpose
Burnout and Reinvention
Looking back, I can see that I've burned out more than once. The first time was in early 2020, when I was working as a Director of Program Management, overseeing the implementations of Icertis CLM at companies across the US. In February 2020, I quit my job, not realizing that just weeks later, the world would shut down due to COVID.
That unexpected break gave me the chance to pause. For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to relax. After a couple of months, I knew I wanted more than just a paycheck. I hired a career coach to help me figure out what was next. Together, we mapped out my values and goals, and I set my sights on a coveted position at a major global technology company, a FAANG.
The perfect opportunity opened up: a role working on a global legal technology team, focusing on a custom CLM system. It felt like my foot in the door, the chance to combine my experience with the prestige of a global brand.
The Next Chapter: Success, Struggle, and Self-Discovery
That role was not easy. My start was tough. The pace, the expectations, the culture. It was a lot. But I’m resilient. I sought out mentors, soaked up every piece of information I could, and learned how to navigate the system.
Then the cracks started to show. Perimenopause hit, and everything I had relied on—my coping strategies, my masking skills, my workarounds, stopped working. Tasks that once felt manageable became overwhelming. My ability to focus, regulate emotions, and keep up with the relentless pace all deteriorated.
I thought my strong performance and delivery record would buy me some grace. I tried to work with my manager and the organization, hoping for understanding and flexibility. I was wrong. They wanted me to fit into a box that no longer fit, and never really had.
Diagnosis and the Courage to Be Honest
I turned to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and found help through a psychiatrist and therapist. That's when I was diagnosed with ADHD and then cPTSD. Finally, there were names for the struggles I had battled for so long.
I chose to be open about my diagnosis at work, hoping for support and understanding. Instead, it was used against me. I was treated as if my diagnoses made me a liability, not a valuable contributor with unique strengths. The message was clear: conform, or get out.
This experience, unfortunately, is not uncommon. A 2021 study in the Journal of Occupational Health found that employees with mental health conditions often face stigma and discrimination in the workplace, leading to decreased job satisfaction, reduced opportunities for advancement, and increased likelihood of leaving their jobs.
Redefining Success
For a long time, I equated quitting with failure. I thought if I couldn't make it work, it meant I wasn't good enough. But I've since learned that success isn't staying in a toxic environment; it's knowing when you've outgrown a place and having the courage to walk away.
I realized my values no longer aligned with the corporate culture I was immersed in. I wanted to be a loud and proud advocate for the marginalized. I wanted to help neurodivergent professionals who were struggling to succeed in environments never designed for their brains. I wanted to help women navigating the complex transitions of perimenopause and menopause, especially those balancing demanding careers.
This realization reflects a growing trend. A 2023 report by McKinsey found that employees are increasingly prioritizing purpose and values in their work, with 70% of respondents stating that their sense of purpose is defined by their work.
Building a New Path: Advocacy, Coaching, and Holistic Care
I still love tech, and I knew I didn't want to leave that world entirely. That's when I decided to build a dual career: working as a consultant/contractor in tech while pursuing my passion for advocacy and holistic coaching.
I started working to build my consulting website and shape my brand. At the same time, my career coach encouraged me to pursue formal coaching training. I found iACT Center, an ICF-accredited coaching program with a specialization in ADHD coaching. I enrolled in January 2024, and the learning has been transformative. I've explored all aspects of ADHD, from the neuroscience to treatment options to coaching fundamentals. It's been validating and empowering to finally have the language and tools to support others who have walked similar paths.
Returning to School: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
To expand my capacity to help, I've also applied to Master's programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My goal is to bridge the gap between coaching and therapy, offering comprehensive support that addresses the whole person. I want to help people navigate their professional lives without ignoring their mental health, their hormonal shifts, their trauma, or the systems working against them.
Crown-Straightener, Cheerleader, and Holistic Advocate
My purpose has become clear: I'm here to help people be successful once they've landed their dream jobs. Whether it's navigating neurodivergence at work, advocating for themselves in toxic environments, or learning how to thrive through menopause, I want to be the crown-straightener and cheerleader they can rely on.
I'm not here to just help people cope with ADHD or menopause, I'm here to help them see how all the pieces connect. It's about treating the whole person, not isolating symptoms or challenges. It's about holistic advocacy and empowerment.
Final Thoughts
Burnout taught me who I am. Perimenopause stripped away my ability to mask. And my ADHD and cPTSD diagnoses gave me clarity on why I've always struggled in traditional systems. But through it all, I've found my purpose: to advocate, coach, educate, and empower others to thrive, in work and in life.
If my story resonates with you, let's connect.
Together, we can navigate your challenges, uncover your strengths, and help you shine in your career and beyond.
Sources:
Stansfeld, S. A., & Candy, B. (2006). Psychosocial work environment and mental health—a meta-analytic review. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 459-475.
McKinsey & Company. (2023). The Great Attrition is making hiring harder. Are you searching the right talent pools? Retrieved from: https://www.mckinsey.com
