If you’re typing this into Google or Claude, something has probably already told you that something’s wrong. You’re still getting your work done. You’re still answering emails. But it takes everything you’ve got, and you’re starting to wonder how much longer you can keep it up.
That question is worth taking seriously.
Signs it may be time to think about a leave
You dread Sunday night, and the dread now starts on Friday.
You read the same email three times and still can’t take it in.
You’re getting everything done and feeling nothing when you do.
You snap at people you love, then feel guilty.
You fantasize about quitting, or just disappearing for a month.
Your body is sending signals: tight chest, clenched jaw, trouble sleeping, getting sick more often.
None of these mean you’re weak. Usually they mean your nervous system has been in go mode for far too long, and it’s asking for a break.
Why it’s so hard to decide
High achievers tend to hold themselves to a different standard. Taking time off can feel like failing, letting your team down, or proving you can’t handle it. So you wait until you hit a wall.
You don’t have to. Needing a break doesn’t undo what you’ve built.
What to think through before you decide
Is this the job, or is it me? Some burnout comes from a workplace that’s unsustainable. Some comes from a pattern of overfunctioning that would follow you to any job. Often it’s both.
What would a leave actually give you? Rest is only part of it. Without a plan for what you’ll do differently, many people return to the same pace and end up in the same place.
What are your options? A leave isn’t the only choice. Some people reduce their hours, change roles, or take a shorter break first. Leave rules and pay vary a lot by employer and state, so it’s worth talking with HR and your doctor.
Try this for two minutes
Sit back and put one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Notice which one feels tighter. Take a slow breath out, a bit longer than the breath in, and see if anything softens. You’re not trying to fix anything. You’re just practicing noticing what your body has been telling you.
How therapy can help you decide
I work with high-achieving professionals who are burned out and trying to figure out what comes next. Whether that means staying, pausing, or changing course, we start with your body and nervous system, not just your thoughts, so you’re deciding from a calmer place. If you want to dig into it, you can read more about work burnout therapy or my therapy intensives, which are a good fit if you’re in a big transition and want focused time to sort it out.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m burned out or just tired?
Tired gets better with rest. Burnout doesn’t. If a weekend off barely makes a dent, it’s worth taking seriously.
Will taking a leave hurt my career?
It depends on your workplace, but many people find it’s the thing that lets them keep going. Waiting until you crash usually costs more.
Can therapy help even if I don’t take a leave?
Yes. Many people work on burnout while still working, especially if they can make changes at work too.
Ready to talk it through? Book a free 20-minute consultation.
About the author:
Tori Smith, LCSW, is an online therapist in Hermosa Beach who uses somatic therapy to help high-achieving professionals with anxiety and burnout, and her work has been featured in TIME, Business Insider, and Real Simple.