How Drew helped Mel through a burnout phase

Below is a fictional scenario based on real-life events.

Mel has had a full 2024. They have barely taken any time off while crisscrossing the country during their third year at ACME. Finally, December hit. Burnout finally caught up with Mel during Thanksgiving week. Mel was long on sleep and short with family and friends who were excited to see them.

During a 1:1 call the following Monday, Mel’s manager, Drew, sensed Mel was nearing a breakdown. For weeks, Drew tried to be subtle with Mel, telling them to “take things easy.”

But now, Drew needed to be decisive.

“Mel, you’re taking this week off,” Drew said.

“WHAT? Why? What did I do wrong?”

“Nothing. You’ve been amazing this year, but it’s come at a cost. I can see you’re exhausted.”

Mel felt an inner rage coming. Never were they so forcefully told to take time off.

“Who is going to do my work?”

“Mel, the team will have this covered. Let’s spend the next 30 minutes discussing your main priorities, and we’ll work to delegate. Then we will discuss how you will spend your time off.”

After reviewing Mel’s key priorities, they discuss how Mel will take time off.

“Mel, I’ve been in your shoes. Here’s what I did to refresh after burning out. The first thing I did was call a friend I hadn’t talked to in a long time. I had an honest conversation with a good friend the other day about their impact on my life. Who is a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, and what don’t they know that you’ve always wanted to share?”

“Good thinking, Drew. I have someone in mind. What else do you have for me?”

***

This holiday season, let’s focus on creating healthy moments that make us and those around us smile. It can be lonely for some of us as the days are shorter and the nights longer and colder. Being there for one another can mean more than we might let on.

• Consider sending a handwritten letter to your favorite college professor. We can often forget what lessons we learned from our instructors. What was the one class or moment you noticed they believed in you? Let them know and thank them!

• We often feel we need to update our social media channels with our activities. What about an afternoon with close friends, shopping and supporting local businesses in your city, with no photos documenting your journey? Just you and your friends living in the moment.

• What about the leaders throughout your career who made a significant impact? Deliver a testimonial for a former manager looking for their next job. Can you share an example in which they empowered you to do your best work in a healthy and empathetic manner?

• Let’s not forget those in the service industries. How about an increased sense of empathy for the airplane gate agent who is doing the absolute best they can to get you to your next destination safe and sound, or an extra holiday tip to your coffee barista, along with a look in their eye and a sincere “thank you” that will make their morning as they craft hundreds of lattes.

• Reflect on those you worked with for a short time this year. What about sending a check in text to the summer intern you managed who found a great new job? We all remember our internships and those who helped us feel professional. They will love hearing from you and sharing all the work they’re doing.

• Are we spending time with our neighbors, making snow angels at the local park, and talking about everything except for work?

• Are we spending brief moments to ourselves when possible, turning the phone off as you walk around a neighborhood renowned for its holiday light decorations, drinking from a warm cup of hot chocolate?

These are just a few examples of the moments I want us to cherish these next few months.

And now for your MollyMoh update! Molly has her winter cut and is enjoying a few dry days here in the Pacific Northwest!