We’re not factories. We’re human.
Hey, ZORA Fam!
This week, the ZORA team launched The Burnout Effect, a series of stories that center on the pressures — and peace — of productivity and performance for our current times. This collection of stories is special because it articulates what many of us are feeling — or have felt in the past — when we’re at a loss for words.
🌎 READ: The Dangers of Being Superwoman
Whether you’re experiencing the fatigue of performance burnout or battling the chronic stress of showing up as superwoman for everyone before showing up for yourself, we’re here for you with relatable anecdotes, expert advice, and key takeaways to guide you through a frenzied life. And if you’re someone who finds peace in productivity, we also have you covered.
🕯️READ: The Woman Who Finds Peace in Productivity
As I said in my introduction of The Burnout Effect, where I shared my own experience, burnout is both universal and personal. And right now, it hits different. Whether you are on the brink of burnout, in the midst of it, or emerging from it, most of us have a story to tell. Below are the burnout stories of the editors at ZORA. We share these stories in hopes you feel seen and know that you’re not alone.
If you have a burnout story, feel free to share it with us on Twitter, tag @zoramag, and let us know what you learned in the process.
Take care,
Christina M. Tapper, Deputy Editor
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✨ What We’ve Learned: Burnout Stories From the ZORA Fam ✨
My burnout story happened about 10 years ago when I was working as an editorial content manager for a company based in Minneapolis. I had to travel there several times a month, be separated from my family, and I was going through a divorce. All of that came to a crashing head over the Christmas holidays, and I finally decided that I needed to take a leave of absence for my own sanity. It was the best decision I ever made. I wound up deciding during that off time that I would not return to that work situation, and I never looked back. — Vanessa K. De Luca, editor in chief
Digital news media is a fun but unforgiving career where work is happening 24/7. This was particularly true during the 2016 election year. I knew I was burned out when simple tasks like answering emails would bring me to tears. I loved being a reporter, I enjoyed being part of history. But I was physically and emotionally tired and I didn’t give myself the same attention I was giving my work. That’s the thing about burnout, it sneaks up on you. You’re working hard, having fun, being everything to everyone and you don’t realize you have nothing left to give until it’s too late, you’re all used up. I’m learning to recognize the slow burn before I let my life, my work and my mental health burst into flames. — Jolie A. Doggett, platform editor
I was working my first job in journalism when I burned out. I was passionate about the work, but months into the role, my manager resigned and suddenly I was given more responsibility. I was happy to take on more tasks, but failed to realize how the additional work — without additional pay — would impact my mental health. I struggled to wake up each morning as the workplace I once loved became a place I dreaded. One evening, I cried thinking about going to work the next day. Moments later, I emailed my resignation letter. The role was not worth keeping if my mental health was suffering in the process. — Jenna Chambers, audience engagement editor
I knew I was burned out when I didn’t care what anyone thought if I skipped Thanksgiving dinner, or Christmas dinner or Christmas Eve brunch. Between the visits to elders, weekly signups to care for the sick and shut in, caring for my own nuclear family, spending eight hours a day with mean-spirited coworkers and visiting my father in hospice care? Everything was too much. I was waiting for someone to give me permission to dial down, but no one would. They reaped the benefits of my Energizer Bunny habits! When my father died, I had to finish a cover story that was due. I turned in the story because I believe in finishing what I start, but after that? I took a break to reset. No one can give me permission but myself. How about that? — Adrienne Samuels Gibbs, features editor
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This Week…
🤓I’m reading:
‘Never Have I Ever’ Seen Myself on Screen — Until Now
‘Becoming’ Director Nadia Hallgren Brings Michelle Obama’s Magic to the Screen
Ramadan Is More Beautiful Than Ever
Trans Communities Are Demonstrating Incredible Resilience
‘Mrs. America’ Director Amma Asante on That Shirley Chisholm Episode
Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid (our latest ZORA Canon Book Club selection)
🎧 I’m listening to: lots of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. I can’t wait for the Verzuz battle Sunday.
🎬I’m watching: Becoming, on Netflix, and basking in the spirit of our Forever FLOTUS. And I just finished Hollywood, a mini series about aspiring actors and filmmakers chasing their dreams in the golden age of big screen films, also on Netflix.
