I used to be absolutely horrible at balancing work and my life. When I started my first corporate job in my early twenties I threw everything I had into it. I thought that was what you were supposed to do. I came in at 8am and stayed often times until 630pm going home as a shell of a human with no motivation to do anything except sleep. This went on for years. I grew not only to hate my job but, my entire life. It was this dark, hopeless feeling. Like this was it- there was nothing left to life except working 11 hour days and going to bed.
I lived for the weekend. And then the weekend would come and I would be “to tired” to actually go out and do anything. Saturdays and Sundays were spent curled up in a ball with the TV blasting. I was living to work, not working to live. And I knew immediately that was where I had made my mistake. Work is meant to supplement your life. It is not meant to fully take over. (Unless you’re one of those lucky people that find a job you love related to your passions of course). Not me, though.
I slowly started changing my approach to work. I began setting boundaries- leaving after my 8 hour shift regardless of the tasks left behind. The extra hours of life gave me more time to focus on hobbies that fulfilled me which in turn made me less tired and cranky. I also set a weekend rule, one day of rest and relaxation and the rest- get out and LIVE GIRL. It has changed my life immensely. I felt like I had a life now. Not just a robot going to work and coming home. I am a living, functioning human with passions, hobbies and friends that I meet at happy hours.
So, if you find yourself tired and burnt out ask yourself- are you living to work or working to live? And try your best to center your life around the latter ❤
K.J Stafford 
This is such a powerful and relatable journey — you’ve captured that all-too-familiar slide into burnout with honesty and heart, and the way you reclaimed your life is genuinely inspiring. Your shift from “shell of a human” to someone who prioritizes joy, rest, and boundaries is a reminder that small, consistent changes really can bring us back to ourselves. That last question is a gut-check everyone needs: are you living to work, or working to live? Beautifully said. ❤
Thank you so much! I’m so happy this resonated with you. I truly appreciate you reading and your kind words ❤