Ep 46: Burnout Boundaries: What We’re Not Doing in 2026

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt kick off 2026 by flipping the usual New Year conversation on its head and focusing on what they’re not doing anymore at work. From people-pleasing, working outside of work hours, and operating on everyone else’s timeline to gatekeeping information, going above and beyond without return, and setting themselves on fire to keep others warm, the Mandys unpack the habits that quietly fuel burnout in corporate life and entrepreneurship.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience and real conversations with listeners, they explore why work is ultimately transactional, how loyalty can be unintentionally exploited, and why boundaries, delegation, and intentional priorities are essential for sustainability. They also share personal shifts around movement, routines, social energy, saying no without guilt, and redefining success in a way that protects time, health, and relationships.

If you’re burned out, feeling resentful at work, or realizing that over-investing hasn’t paid off the way you were promised, this episode will help you name what needs to stop so you can make room for what actually matters.

Listen in, reflect on what you’re done tolerating in 2026, share this episode with someone who needs permission to set boundaries, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, boundaries, and building a healthier way forward. 

And if you’re looking for a reset in the new year, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March and come say hi, we’d love to meet you. Here is the link to register for Become now - https://littleblackbook.wildapricot.org/event-6349380

FAQs

1. What does this episode mean by “what we’re not doing in 2026”?
Mandy and Mandy outline the behaviors they’re intentionally leaving behind, including people-pleasing, working outside normal hours, operating on everyone else’s urgency, and consistently giving more than they receive at work.

2. Why do the hosts say work is ultimately transactional?
They discuss how loyalty and over-investment are often rewarded with more expectations—not protection—and why understanding the transactional nature of work helps prevent resentment and burnout.

3. What kinds of boundaries are discussed in this episode?
The episode covers boundaries around time, communication, delegation, availability, emotional labor, and saying no without guilt—both in corporate roles and entrepreneurship.

4. How does this episode redefine success for 2026?
Success is reframed around sustainability, health, energy, and relationships rather than constant productivity, over-performance, or being indispensable at work.