Confessions of a burnt-out working mum: The signs I missed & my journey back.

The Weight of It All

I didn’t just pick a job—I picked a career that became my identity. Managing a childcare centre wasn’t just about running operations. It was about people—the families who relied on me, the children whose early years I helped shape, and the educators who looked to me for guidance and support. I dedicated years of my life to this work, not just as a job, but as a mission.

But what happens when your passion collides with relentless expectations?

What happens when you’re not just a manager, but also a mother—a mother to four children, each with their own needs, their own worlds, their own battles?

And what happens when, on top of that, you carry the weight of being a financial contributor, ensuring that the sacrifices you make at work translate into security at home?

The answer? You push. You smile. You show up—every single day. Even when you have nothing left.

The Breaking Point – What I Wasn’t Ready For

For years, I convinced myself that exhaustion was just part of the deal.

I believed that being overwhelmed was normal and that burnout was simply the price of success.

I told myself:

• “It’s just a phase. It’ll pass.”

• “I just need to be more organised.”

• “Once things settle down, I’ll make time for myself.”

But things never settled. And eventually, I didn’t recognise myself anymore.

1. Burnout and Chronic Fatigue

I was constantly tired, but no amount of sleep made me feel rested. My body ached, my mind fogged, and my energy disappeared. Even the smallest tasks felt overwhelming.

Yet, I kept pushing. I had to.

2. Loss of Confidence – The Blurring of My Identity

The exhaustion didn’t just affect my job—it eroded my confidence. I started doubting my own abilities. The strong, capable professional I once was felt like a distant memory.

And worse? It bled into my personal life.

I started questioning myself as a mother. I felt like I wasn’t fully present, wasn’t enough for my children, and wasn’t setting the example I wanted to for them.

3. Hormonal Imbalance & Physical Decline

Stress didn’t just affect my mind—it wreaked havoc on my body.

• I lost weight rapidly and struggled to gain it back.

• My skin became dry, dull, and prone to breakouts.

• My sleep was non-existent—my body was exhausted, but my mind wouldn’t shut off.

• My hormones were completely out of balance, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression.

And still, I kept going.

4. The Wake-Up Call – When My Son Showed Me My Reflection

Then, one day, my son got sick.

And instead of resting, he insisted on going to school.

When I asked him why, he shrugged and said:

“You don’t rest. You go to work when you’re sick or sad. So I can too.”

That was it. That was the moment that shattered me.

I had unknowingly taught my child that rest was weakness. That emotions didn’t matter. That the only way to be valuable was to push through pain.

I love a strong work ethic—but this? This was not the lesson I wanted to pass down.

The Warning Signs of Burnout (That I Ignored for Too Long)

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to pause:

✅ Constant exhaustion, even after sleep

✅ Irritability and emotional numbness

✅ Loss of passion for things that once made you happy

✅ Feeling like you never do “enough”

✅ Physical symptoms: weight loss or gain, skin issues, hair thinning

✅ Ignoring your own needs because “there’s no time”

✅ Believing you can’t stop because everything will fall apart without you

I wish I had seen these signs sooner. I wish I had admitted to myself that something needed to change.

Because here’s the truth:

Burnout doesn’t just affect you. It affects your family, your relationships, your health, your entire life.

The Impact on Our Children

As parents, we want the best for our kids. But what if, without realising it, we’re teaching them to normalise stress and exhaustion?

• They see us constantly rushing, constantly working.

• They hear us say “I don’t have time” every time we’re too drained to play.

• They watch us ignore our own needs, and they learn to do the same.

I don’t want my children to idolise burnout.

I want them to see balance. I want them to see a parent who prioritises self-care, joy, and time for family—not just obligations.

My Journey to Healing – What I’m Doing to Undo the Damage

So, where do I go from here?

I’m not going to pretend I have all the answers. But I know this: I refuse to go back.

Here’s what I’m working on:

1. Prioritising Mental Well-being

• Setting clear work-life boundaries

• Giving myself permission to rest

• Learning to say “no” without guilt

2. Nourishing My Body

• Focusing on foods that support hormone balance

• Taking the right vitamins and supplements

• Hydration, sleep, and movement—not just when it’s convenient, but as non-negotiables

3. Moving with Purpose

• Running because I want to, not just because I feel like I “should”

• Strength training to rebuild what stress has stripped away

• Prioritising recovery—sauna, stretching, rest

4. Rewriting My Narrative

• Shifting from overachievement to sustainability

• Understanding that I am still worthy, even when I rest

• Teaching my children that success isn’t about burnout—it’s about balance

5. Setting a New Example for My Kids

• Showing them that happiness isn’t something you “earn”

• Teaching them that it’s okay to slow down

• Letting them see me choose joy, health, and self-care—so they learn to do the same

This Is Not the End of My Story

I’m in the middle of a huge transition—one that I never saw coming, but one that I now realise was necessary.

I’ve stepped away from the chaos. I’ve made a choice to build a life that actually feels good, not just one that looks successful on paper.

I don’t have it all figured out yet.

But I’m committed to healing, rebuilding, and redefining success on my own terms.

I’ll be sharing my journey—the struggles, the wins, the things that actually help (and the things that don’t).

Because if this story feels like your story too… I want you to know: you don’t have to wait until you break to make a change.

So, watch this space—because the best is yet to come.