i'm burnt out 🥲

here's what I'm doing about it

Sep 26, 2025

What I’m talking about today:

what is burning me out
5 things I’m doing to fix it
next week’s birthday sale

Here’s the tea, friends. Honest answer? I’ve been burned out since June. And the more I’ve ignored it, the worse it’s gotten. My birthday is next week, October 1st, and is the catalyst to fully change how I’m feeling and get in a better headspace as I start another year in my life.

Here’s what’s burning me out 🫠

As a fully self-employed creative, I have about 4 businesses:

my theatre work: being a musical theatre actor, composer, playwright, and sometimes director
my creative online business: virtual assistance & coaching
content creation (new as of this year): brand deals & digital products
and my rental property

Because I’m constantly working on so much, I STAY doing a lot. And now, everything I do, even just regular self-maintenance like brushing my teeth or taking a shower, feels like a chore. This is how I realized how bad it’s gotten.

Here’s what I’m not doing: complaining. I’m beyond thankful for the life I’ve built. In 2021, I was hustling and busting my BUTT for financial stability. Now, I’ve created each “career” path for myself, and make my own daily schedule. I just also recognize that HOW much I’m doing is not super sustainable and needs to change.

So here’s what I AM doing about my burnout until I can find good support, and balance.

I’m saying “no” like it’s my job.

From now until the end of the year, if any new opportunities are offered to me, I’m either respectfully saying no, or telling them to circle back around with me in January if it’s something I’m interested in. Some offers have been really cool, like brand deals with companies I admire, or easy theatre projects, but every yes to somebody else is a no to myself, and I can’t keep doing that. I need mental, emotional, and creative rest right now. If it’s meant to be, it still will be when I have the space to take on more.

I am doing what’s required of me, and nothing more.

I am staying committed to the theatre projects I’ve said yes to, serving my VA and coaching clients, and continuing with signed brand deals. But if I don’t have the energy to put out consistent content, I’m not going to force myself to do it. I’m also not doing lead generation (looking for new clients). The energy I’d usually use to go all in on my goals and do “extra,” I’m putting back into myself by eating healthy, going to the gym, or spending quality time with my loved ones.

I am leaning into joy and rest.

I’m using my “Treat Yourself” budget monthly like nobody’s business!! I’m also planning vacations for this year and next with my travel sinking funds, and am going on walks almost daily. I’m also planning things through out October to celebrate my birthday in multiple ways, including a birthday sale on all of my digital products (more on this soon)! Lastly, I’m creating a clear picture of what I’d like next year to be, and what I need to do to not be burned out by this time in the year. Bottom line: if it doesn’t bring me joy, I’m not LOOKING at it!

I’m journaling a lot.

I’m putting all my feelings, thoughts, dreams, and desires on paper daily to give myself some mental space back. I’m also tracking my burn out and what’s working for me to fix it. New vacation booked? Instant good energy. Nutritious meal? I’ve got an extra hour of work in me. Journaling to myself is helping me be my own personal assistant, and I’m so here for it.

I’m making things easy.

Currently, anything that feels too big or complicated, my brain immediately runs from (hey procrastination 😅). So I’m breaking down as much of my goals and daily to-do’s as I can to focus on easy tasks. Instead of taking 30 minutes to review my expenses at the end of the week, I’m taking 5 minutes at the end of each day. Instead of taking 4 hours to meal prep on Sundays, I’m taking 30 minutes in the morning to cook a healthy breakfast, make an easy lunch, and choose something I can heat up for dinner. Ease is what’s calling to me the most and feels the most helpful right now.

I also want to make things easier for you too.

Next week, for two days only - on my birthday, Wednesday, Oct 1st, and Thursday, Oct 2nd - I’ll be having a big birthday sale on a lot of my digital products. With one more quarter left of the year, it’s the perfect time to do what you need to do to set yourself up for success in 2026, and I’ve got tons of resources that can help you in your creative financial journey.

Here’s what you can expect:

My Creative Budget Tracker (made especially for artists, creatives, and 9-to-5’ers with multiple streams of income) will be going from $25 to $7 dollars
My Virtual Assistant E-Book (the ultimate DIY guide to make your first $500 as a VA) will be going from $97 to $33 dollars
My 3-Month Goal Setting Planner (helping you crush your goals quarterly without the overwhelm) will be going from $10 to $5 dollars

If this interests you, mark your calendars and keep an eye on your inbox as I’ll e-mail you when it starts! 💌

I’m only two weeks into accepting I’m burned out, and a week into this burn out care plan, but I do already feel a difference. I’m hoping to get my drive back by the end of October so I can truly plan next year from a thriving mindset. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

If you’re dealing with burn out, know you’re not alone. Drop a comment and tell me what’s going on and I’ll reply with something helpful you can do. <3

Thanks for reading,

Aleah

CWM