What are corporate red flags people often normalize?

Common corporate red flags include being told 'we’re a family here,' open-door policies that don’t lead to real change, perks replacing boundaries, loyalty being used to guilt employees, and unclear or unfair pay practices. These signs often feel normal until burnout sets in.

How do these red flags lead to burnout?

When red flags go unchecked, they slowly erode boundaries, increase emotional labor, and normalize overwork. Over time, this creates exhaustion, resentment, and a loss of identity outside of work, which are key drivers of burnout.

Is this episode only for people who want to leave corporate jobs?

No. This episode is for anyone who works or has worked in a corporate environment. Whether you want to stay, reset boundaries, pivot careers, or build something new, the conversation helps you recognize unhealthy patterns and make more informed choices.

What will I gain from listening to this episode?

Listeners will gain clarity around the warning signs they may be ignoring, validation for feelings they’ve been minimizing, and permission to want better. The episode encourages honest reflection and practical awareness without judgment.

Ep 43: Is It Burnout...Or Are You Just Done?

Dec 18

Written By Mandy Alt

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, we unpack one of the most confusing (and important) questions professionals and business owners face, especially at the end of the year. Burnout and being done can feel exactly the same, but the solutions couldn’t be more different.

We talk honestly about holiday burnout, corporate exhaustion, loyalty, glass ceilings, financial fear, health insurance handcuffs, and the moment when daydreaming shifts from “how do I fix this?” to “what’s my exit plan?”

This conversation applies whether you work in corporate, own a business, manage a team, or feel stuck in a role that no longer fits your life. We also dig into how vacations, boundaries, and restructuring can help when it’s burnout, and how to recognize when no amount of rest will fix misalignment.

We also share why community, inspiration, and mentorship matter when you’re navigating burnout or big transitions, and invite you to join us at the Become Women’s Conference in March in St. Louis, where you’ll hear from women who’ve faced burnout, pivoted careers, built businesses, and found clarity for what’s next. Mandy will be on a marketing panel discussing podcasting, social media, SEO, and digital marketing, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions specific to your business or career. You can learn more and register here: ⁠https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠.

If this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s feeling the same way, subscribe to The Corporate Burnouts, and remember, you don’t have to let your work be the thing that makes you unhappy.

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FAQs

What’s the difference between burnout and being done?
Burnout is usually exhaustion + overload that can improve with rest, boundaries, or restructuring. “Being done” is misalignment—rest doesn’t fix it because the role no longer fits.
How do I know which one I’m in?
If time off makes you feel lighter and more hopeful, it may be burnout. If you come back and feel the same dread (or clarity that you want out), you may be done.
What should I do if it’s burnout?
Start with recovery: boundaries, workload changes, support, and real rest. Then reassess what needs to change long-term.
What should I do if I’m just done?
Shift from “how do I fix this?” to an exit plan: timeline, finances, updating your resume/LinkedIn, and getting community/mentorship.
Where can I listen to this episode?
You can listen directly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and/or YouTube.