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Let me guess, you’ve tried every time management hack in the book. Color-coded calendars. Productivity apps. Early wake-ups. Late nights. And still, your to-do list somehow gets longer by the hour.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One of the biggest red flags in a struggling career isn’t a bad boss or a toxic culture (though those matter too). It’s the feeling of being buried under more work than any one person can realistically handle. Especially if you’re also picking up the slack for coworkers who were laid off, or if you’re a high performer who’s constantly given “just one more thing.”
Being busy isn’t always a badge of honor. Sometimes, it’s a blinking warning sign.
Why time management isn’t always the answer
Yes, good organization helps. But the truth is, most of the clients I coach aren’t disorganized. Instead, they’re overwhelmed. And they’re trying to manage an unmanageable situation by working harder, faster, and longer.
This is not sustainable. And it’s not fair either.
There comes a point where the problem isn’t how you manage your time. It’s how your time is being taken from you. This is when it’s time to pause and reassess.
Spot the warning signs of overload
Here are a few key signals you may be stuck in chronic overload:
- You’re working through lunch (and dinner) more often than not.
- Your calendar is double-booked, and somehow people still want more from you.
- You lie awake thinking about everything you forgot to do.
- You’re starting to feel resentful or emotionally checked out.
- Burnout symptoms like headaches, irritability, or fatigue are becoming constant.
Reclaiming your time starts with boundaries
One of the first steps to regaining your sense of control is re-establishing boundaries.
I know, easier said than done, right? Especially when you’re a team player, a perfectionist, or just someone who doesn’t want to let anyone down. But here’s the truth: you can’t keep showing up for everyone else if there’s nothing left in your tank.
This doesn’t mean you quit your job tomorrow. It means you learn how to say “not right now,” you delegate where possible, and you create small moments of recovery throughout your day. (Yes, this includes actually stepping away from your screen at lunch.)
What coaching can help you do
If you’ve already tried all the usual fixes and nothing is working, it might be time for a new approach. Coaching can help you:
- Identify the root cause of your overload (it’s not always what you think)
- Learn how to communicate boundaries without feeling guilty
- Prioritize what truly matters in your day and your career
- Create a custom plan for navigating short-term stress while building long-term change
Sometimes, just having someone walk with you through the mess is what helps you see the way out of it.
You’re not failing. You’re just carrying too much.
If this post hits close to home, I want you to hear this clearly: you are not the problem. The system you’re working in may be broken. The expectations placed on you may be unrealistic. And the fact that you’re trying to keep up is proof of your commitment—not a flaw in your character.
But commitment without boundaries leads to burnout. And burnout doesn’t just rob you of your energy, it steals your confidence and clarity too.
Let’s not wait for it to get that bad.
You can schedule a complimentary consultation to talk through your situation. Just fill out the paNASH intake form. No pressure, no obligation—just a chance to get your head above water and start making things better.
Your time and your sanity are worth protecting.
