The Cost of Burnout: Why Your Mental Health Is A Financial Issue
By your mid-30s, you’ve likely been in the workforce for over a decade. You’ve built momentum, taken on more responsibility, and probably earned more than you did in your 20s. But there’s a downside to all that drive: burnout. This looming vampire doesn’t just take a toll on your well-being, it drains your income, derails your progress, and can quietly sabotage your long-term financial goals.
I know this firsthand. At the height of my own burnout, I couldn’t focus on the tasks in front of me or plan for the future. Reading even a short email felt like trying to decode a foreign language. The mental fog was overwhelming, but worse than that was the loss of motivation. I had poured everything into chasing a goal—one I thought would lead to a promotion or access to my chosen projects. I took on more than my job description, stayed late, and sacrificed personal time. When those efforts were repeatedly ignored, it crushed my drive. Over time, I couldn’t see any larger purpose, just a loop of repeating monthly tasks with no end and no reward.
What helped me climb out wasn’t a massive life change. It started with something small: rediscovering a hobby. Something that recharged me without adding pressure. That space gave me clarity, and it made me realize that burnout isn’t just about stress. It is a chronic exhaustion that not only affects personal well-being but also has significant financial repercussions.
You’ll need to take control of your situation to avoid burning out because it happens to the best of us. Here’s what you need to know—and what to do about it.
Burnout Comes with a Price Tag
Stress costs money. According to Gallup, burned-out employees are 63% more likely to take a sick day and 2.6 times more likely to be actively seeking a different job[1]. For mid-career professionals, that might mean:
Missed days of work (unpaid or using valuable PTO)
Decreased performance leading to poor reviews or missed promotions
Increased spending on healthcare, treatments, or medication
Higher risk of job loss or voluntary exit without a safety net
The long-term cost? Lower lifetime earnings and interrupted career momentum.
And it’s not just anecdotal—according to the American Psychological Association, 77% of employees have experienced work-related stress in the past month, and nearly 3 in 5 report negative impacts such as lack of interest, motivation, or energy[2]. That’s not just burnout—it’s widespread disengagement.
The Myth of Hustle = Success
We’ve glamorized hustle culture for years. Late nights, skipped lunches, always "on." But the data is clear: people who overwork themselves don’t perform better. They burn out faster.
Sustainable performance comes from setting limits, not pushing harder. Boundaries aren’t about being lazy—they’re about protecting the mental clarity and creativity that drive high-value work.
If you’re always exhausted, you’re not showing up as your best self. That affects your work quality, your reputation, and ultimately your income.
Your Brain Is a Business Asset
Think of your brain as your top-earning tool. It handles decision-making, problem-solving, creative thinking, and emotional intelligence—all the things that justify a high salary or leadership role.
When you’re burned out, your brain runs on fumes. You’re more likely to:
Miss deadlines
Make reactive decisions
Struggle with communication
Avoid challenges
Investing in mental health isn’t soft or indulgent. It’s protecting your most valuable business asset. If you need to invest in something to stave off burnout, make sure the treatment matches the level of burnout you’re about to experience.
Burnout Prevention Is Cheaper Than Recovery
It’s always cheaper to prevent damage than to clean up the mess. That’s true with cars, houses, and it’s absolutely true with burnout.
The cost of a weekly therapy session, a gym membership, or regular vacation time is a fraction of what it costs to recover from full-on burnout. We’re talking long-term medical care, or even the cost of switching careers.
Start small:
Make sleep a priority.
Move your body daily.
Say "no" more often.
Take mental health days without guilt.
These aren’t luxuries. They’re maintenance. Since your brain is your business asset, make sure your prevention method is worth it. Don’t just make up an activity that doesn’t yield results, make meaningful moves. Protect your evenings and weekends like they matter—because they do.
Build a Burnout-Proof Buffer
Burnout doesn't hit like a truck—it creeps in. That’s why you need a buffer.
Structure your week to include actual breaks. Block time for focused work, then truly disconnect during downtime. I’ve started using a Pomodoro timer to create more focused time for work and breaks.
Use your PTO strategically. If you have unlimited PTO, be proactive. Most people with unlimited plans take less time off. Set a personal minimum—like one week per quarter—and treat it as non-negotiable.
Also, build your career resilience plan. That means having an emergency fund, keeping your resume sharp, and maintaining your network. Resilience isn’t just mental—it’s financial flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Your Mental Health Is a Financial Plan
You can’t earn, grow, or lead if you’re running on empty. Your brain and your body are income-generating tools, and they need care just like your budget does.
Audit your week. Where is burnout creeping in? What’s draining you that shouldn’t be? Pick one thing you can cut, delegate, or restructure—and do it this week. You’ll not only feel better but also protect your mental stability and earning power for years to come.
[1] https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237059/employee-burnout-part-main-causes.aspx
[2] https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/blog/reducing-stress-in-the-workplace/
