JT Talks Jobs: How to avoid becoming overworked

A: 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.

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.

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.

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?

When you align your career with your authentic interests and strengths, work doesn’t feel like a chore.

Eva: How do I balance this with my tendency to overwork?

J.T.: It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Here are some tips:

• Create a schedule that includes breaks and downtime: Ensure you have time to recharge and avoid burnout.
• Learn to say no: Recognize when you’re taking on too much and practice setting limits.
• Delegate tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate responsibilities to others.
• Focus on quality over quantity: Aim for excellence in your work, but avoid perfectionism and overcommitting.