Ep 47: Leaving a Career You Loved Because It Broke You

In this episode of The Corporate Burnouts, Mandy Holt and Mandy Alt sit down with Joy Peterson to unpack what burnout really looks like when you’ve spent decades saying yes, grinding nonstop, and tying your entire identity to your job. Joy shares her journey from working 22 years in the service and hospitality industry, rising from server to director of restaurant training, to hitting a breaking point during COVID that forced her to quit without a backup plan.

Together, they explore how burnout sneaks up on high performers, why quitting can sometimes be a health decision, and what it looks like to take intentional time off to reset, recover, and rediscover who you are outside of work. The conversation dives into mental health, boundary-setting, redefining success, transferable skills from service industry careers, and why stepping away career-wise doesn’t mean moving backward.

Joy also shares how she rebuilt her career with clearer boundaries, predictable work hours, and a role that supports her life instead of consuming it. If you’re burned out, questioning your career path, coming from the service or hospitality industry, or wondering whether you’re tired or truly done, this episode offers permission, perspective, and practical reassurance.

Listen in, reflect on what boundaries you need to set, share this episode with someone who’s running on empty, and follow The Corporate Burnouts for honest conversations about work, burnout, and building a life that actually fits. 

And if you’re looking for a reset, check out the Become Conference in St. Louis this March 12-13 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?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=3%2F7%2F2026⁠

FAQs

1. What led Joy Peterson to leave a career she loved?
Joy shares how 22 years in the service and hospitality industry, combined with nonstop responsibility and COVID-era pressure, pushed her past burnout into a breaking point that made quitting a health decision.

2. How does burnout show up for high performers?
The episode explores how burnout often sneaks up on high achievers through chronic stress, identity tied to work, constant availability, and saying yes long after the body and mind are exhausted.

3. Why does Joy say quitting didn’t mean failing or moving backward?
Joy explains how stepping away created space to recover, reassess priorities, and recognize transferable skills that allowed her to rebuild a career with healthier boundaries and predictable hours.

4. What will listeners take away from this episode?
Listeners will gain clarity on whether they’re tired or truly done, permission to prioritize health over loyalty, and reassurance that leaving a career can be a powerful step forward—not an ending.