This is so true. I worked at a callcentre for two years, doing crazy shifts for more money, overtime, short weekends…it was my first job - I liked the money and since it was my first job, I wanted to prove myself and did way more than I was paid for.

The people that worked there for many years saw it coming and told me to take it slow or else I’d burn out. I was young and stupid, so I ignored them and the signs my own body gave me. When I was tired, I went to the coffee machine and made myself a triple espresso. Here we go again!

Then came the day where I just…stopped functioning. I couldn’t do anything anymore. I never felt so tired in my life and fell asleep on the toilet in the company bathroom. I still remember my dad driving me home and falling onto my bed, but not a lot else.

It took 1.5 years to get my energy back and the first few months are just a blur, I must’ve slept for weeks. I never regained all of the energy I had before that happened. Burnout is a bitch and what I did back then will follow me for the rest of my life.