Burnout Is Real

Hey, friends! I want to have a real conversation about something that’s been on my heart lately—burnout. Not just the kind we hear about in passing, but the deep, soul-draining kind that hits us both professionally and personally. If you’re new here, welcome to a space where we get real about the struggles we face as Black women in this world. And let me tell you, burnout? It's something we all know too well.

I recently came across a statistic that over 61% of Black women report feeling burned out at work. Let that sink in. I’m not talking about the usual “I’m tired” kind of burnout. I’m talking about the kind where you feel like you’re giving every ounce of energy, but still feel like you’re running on empty. You’re showing up, meeting expectations, but deep down, it’s like you’re barely keeping your head above water. It’s exhausting, and it’s real.

And here’s another tough truth: 47% of Black women feel like they have to work harder than everyone else to prove they’re worthy of a seat at the table. That pressure to be the "go-to" person, to be excellent, to constantly hustle—it’s heavy. I’ve been there too. We often feel like we have to wear this mask of strength, even when we’re falling apart inside. But let me tell you something—this hustle culture? It’s not sustainable. I’ve had to learn the hard way that it's okay to hit pause, take a break, and ask for help.

I sat down with Danielle Hairston-Green recently for an episode of Black Women Deserve and we talked about her own journey through burnout and how she’s learned to protect her peace. Danielle, a seasoned professional, shared how burnout affected her work and personal life—especially as a Black woman in leadership. She talked about the importance of setting boundaries, finding joy in your work, and most importantly, not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.

It’s so easy to feel like we have to do it all, like we have to be strong for everyone around us. But the truth is, we can’t pour from an empty cup. And asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of self-love. Whether it’s talking to a friend, reaching out to a mentor, or just taking a moment to rest, it’s okay to not have it all together. It’s okay to say, “I need a break.”

I’m learning to give myself permission to rest, to pause, and to really listen to what my body and mind need. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. No more pushing through exhaustion just to meet someone else’s expectations. My worth isn’t tied to my productivity, and neither is yours.

So, here’s the deal: if you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or burnt out—talk about it. Share it with someone you trust. Create a community of care. I’m here for it, and I want to be here for you. Let’s lift each other up, be real about our struggles, and prioritize our mental health. You deserve rest, you deserve peace, and you deserve support.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my latest podcast episode with Danielle. She drops so much wisdom about burnout, self-care, and how to find balance in this chaotic world. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

xoxo,

The Croptop Cutie