What does burnout feel like?

In 2022, I left my full-time role in school leadership ready for something new.

I was also completely burned out.

I just didn't know that yet.

The things I used to care about felt flat.
I was irritable in ways that surprised me.

I couldn't rest, even when I finally had time.
I had lost the thread of why any of it mattered.

Everything felt dull.

This is what burnout actually feels like in high performers.

Not collapse.
Just a slow fade.

They keep functioning.
Keep delivering.

Which is exactly why it goes unaddressed for so long.

I see it in leaders all the time.
And when I do, I name it.
Because I wish someone had named it for me sooner.

The goal isn't to manage burnout better.
It's to catch it early enough to do something about it.