From Burnout to Bliss: My Journey as a Reformed Workaholic
As the CEO of Work It DAILY, I've helped countless professionals find fulfilling careers. But my passion for this work stems from a deeply personal place. Today, I want to share my story of transformation from a burnt-out workaholic to someone who genuinely loves what they do every day.
The High-Achieving Trap 🪤
I was the quintessential overachiever—the firstborn, Type A personality who believed success meant getting straight A's, attending the best college, and landing the most prestigious job possible. By age 33, I had seemingly "made it." I was running a $35 million division of a company and earning a high six-figure salary.
But here's the truth: I was utterly miserable.
The Cost of "Success"
On paper, I had everything society told me I should want. In reality, I was:
Living in a house I was never home to enjoy
Married to a husband I rarely saw
Completely disconnected from friends and family (I once found a week-old sticky note from my assistant saying, "Call your mom, it's urgent")
In poor health and chronically stressed
I had climbed the corporate ladder, but at what cost?
The Wake-Up Call ☎️
My turning point came during maternity leave. I was dreading returning to work, secretly hoping I'd be laid off when I learned my company had been bought. Instead, I was offered an even bigger role overseeing a merger.
That night, I broke down crying. It was clear: the path I was on wasn't sustainable or fulfilling.
Taking the Leap
Although as a career coach I can't officially recommend this, I did something drastic: I quit. I gave a month's notice and resigned without a concrete plan.
It was terrifying, but it was also the best decision I've ever made.
Rediscovering My "Why" 🔍
I took time to reflect on where I had gotten off track. I realized that somewhere along the way, I had lost touch with my intrinsic motivation—the things that truly energized and inspired me.
I asked myself:
What problems do I genuinely enjoy solving?
What kind of work makes me lose track of time?
How can I use my natural strengths and curiosity in a meaningful way?
A New Mission
This period of self-discovery led me to my true calling: helping others find work they're passionate about. I've spent the last 20 years as a career coach, guiding professionals through the process of pivoting into more fulfilling roles.
The Power of Purposeful Work 💪
Here's what I've learned: When you align your career with your authentic interests and strengths, work doesn't feel like a chore. You'll want to put in effort because it's intrinsically rewarding.
This doesn't mean you need to start over completely. My job is to help you make a series of strategic pivots, rediscovering the parts of your current work that do bring you joy and building on those elements.
Your Turn: Redefine Your Relationship with Work
If you're feeling burnt out or unfulfilled in your career, know that change is possible. Here's how you can start:
Reflect on when you've felt most energized at work
Identify the skills you most enjoy using
Consider the problems you find genuinely interesting to solve
Think about the impact you want to make in the world
Let's Connect! 📱
I'm on a mission to help as many people as possible find better-paying jobs they actually love. If this resonates with you, I'd love to support your journey:
Follow me on TikTok for daily career advice and inspiration
Check out the free resources linked at the bottom of this newsletter
Most importantly, send me your questions! Reply to this email or post them in the comments on my TikTok and YouTube. I'm here to help you unlock your potential and build a career that truly fulfills you.
Remember, it's never too late to redefine your relationship with work. Let's do this together!
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
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