I’ve worked in various industries in different positions for 15+ years, including:

• Digital editor when Facebook became mainstream.

• Graphic designer for traditional mediums.

• Front-end dev with top NYC creative agencies.

• Web3 dev who survived the bear market.

I’ve had so much fun during this time, and there isn’t much I would change about my journey. 

However, I burnt out badly twice. 

The burnout exhausted me, taking away more fun I could’ve enjoyed.

If I could go back, here are a few mistakes I made—and what I would have done differently to avoid burnout:

1️⃣ Lack of boundaries

I failed to set clear work-life boundaries, leading to overwork and anxiety. The pandemic and remote work made it worse.

I should have set specific work and rest hours and a designated work area to ensure proper recovery.

2️⃣ Failed to manage expectations

I didn’t communicate effectively with employers and clients, which led to unrealistic goals and deadlines.

I should have taken the initiative to discuss workloads and responsibilities with stakeholders regularly.

3️⃣ Objectify myself at work

I measured my worth only by my job performance and output. Taking breaks even made me feel guilty and lazy.

I should value myself beyond work and reserve time for personal passions.

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By addressing these issues, I could have avoided burnout and enjoyed my career journey more.

If you’re early in your career or feeling tired, remember to:

• Set boundaries

• Manage expectations

• Value yourself beyond work

Good luck with a sustainable and happy career ✨