From Burnout to Balance: A Personal Journey Toward Mental Wellbeing

Burnout is a lived experience for many, including myself. I understand all too well how burnout can profoundly impact both mental and physical health. My career journey from law enforcement to aviation and then recruitment has underscored the critical importance of rest, balance, and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way, nearly losing everything I had built due to not managing burnout effectively. 
 

Before entering recruitment, I served as a police officer, responding to 999 calls during gruelling 12-hour shifts, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Night shifts were especially brutal; without sufficient sleep during the day, functioning properly became almost impossible. Prior to that, I worked as cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic, contending with time zone changes, overnight flights, and the challenge of staying alert in a dimly lit cabin. These roles taught me that without proper rest, I simply couldn’t perform at my best (or function at all.) 
 

In 2011, I transitioned into recruitment, starting as a trainee after moving from London to Manchester. From day one, I was under immense pressure to make money quickly. I had left the police with a salary of around £45,000 and started recruitment on £16,000. With a flat in London where my mum lived, covering my mortgage and rent in Manchester was essential. Yet, I was earning less than I needed to cover basic expenses, driving me deeper into debt each month that I didn’t earn commission The promise of high commissions through hard work was what drew me to recruitment in the first place. 
 

The fast-paced, competitive nature of the industry was intense. My days began at 7 a.m. and often stretched well past 7 p.m. Several evenings a week, I worked in a bar to make ends meet. Determined to succeed, I devoured audiobooks on my commute, covering topics from sales and communication to emotional intelligence and psychology, believing that any edge could help me secure deals. Success was non-negotiable. Within a few months of relentless effort, I began earning commissions. But that wasn’t enough. I became driven by the goal of saving enough to start my own agency. 
 

In 2016, I founded JMC Legal Recruitment using only my savings. The first year was incredibly challenging. I not only managed my own client billing but also trained four new team members, taking on the financial responsibility of their salaries. While my ADHD allowed me to juggle multiple tasks, I frequently teetered on the brink of burnout. Anxiety, an unwelcome companion since my days in the police, became a constant presence. Yet, I ignored the warning signs and pushed forward, believing I had no other choice. 
 

In 2019, my world came crashing down. I suffered from psychosis, a condition where the line between reality and illusion blurs. I saw and heard things that felt undeniably real, though others couldn’t perceive them. Recovery has been a long, ongoing journey, but I share my story to highlight what can happen when mental health is neglected, and burnout is left unchecked. 
 

At JMC, we recently conducted two polls to better understand how burnout affects professionals. The results were eye-opening: 
 

Poll 1: How often do you truly disconnect from work? 

• Every evening and weekend: 52% 
• Only on vacations: 18% 
• Rarely, I’m always on call: 24% 
• Never, work is life: 6% 
   

While it’s encouraging that over half of respondents manage to disconnect daily, the fact that nearly half don’t is concerning. In today’s always-on culture, where clients and colleagues expect instant responses, disconnecting can feel like a luxury. Yet, failing to do so can lead to chronic stress and burnout. This lack of downtime can impair cognitive function, reduce productivity, and negatively impact personal relationships. 
 

Poll 2: Have you ever experienced burnout in your legal career? 

• Yes, I have: 64% 
• No, I haven’t: 10% 
• I’ve been at risk before: 20% 
• I’m currently experiencing it: 6% 
   

These statistics highlight just how pervasive burnout is within the legal profession. With nearly two-thirds having experienced burnout and an additional 20% having been at risk, it’s clear that this issue cannot be ignored. The competitive nature of the legal industry, coupled with long hours and high client expectations, creates an environment where burnout is all too common. The 6% currently experiencing burnout serves as a reminder that this issue is happening right now, affecting the well-being and performance of talented professionals. 
 

Reflecting on these results, it's clear that both individuals and organisations must take proactive steps to prevent burnout. For individuals, this means setting boundaries, recognising warning signs, and prioritising self-care. For employers, it involves fostering a supportive work culture, promoting realistic workloads, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. 

How employers can help prevent burnout 

Burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable. By recognising the signs and taking proactive steps, both employers and individuals can create healthier, more sustainable ways of working. 
 

For employers: 

• Encourage work-life balance by promoting reasonable working hours and respecting personal time. 
• Offer flexible working options, such as remote work and flexible hours. 
• Provide mental health support, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and access to counselling. 
• Regularly check in with employees to monitor their workload and wellbeing. 
   

For individuals: 

• Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid checking emails outside of working hours. 
• Prioritise self-care through activities that recharge you, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. 
• Learn to recognise the early signs of burnout, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. 
• Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling. Therapy and counselling can provide valuable support. 
• Monitor Workloads: Regularly check in with employees to ensure their workloads are manageable. Recognise the signs of burnout such as increased absenteeism (prolonged period of absences with seemingly no cause), decreased productivity, and emotional exhaustion, and intervene early. 
   

How individuals can prevent and manage burnout 

• Prioritise Sleep and Rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. 
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no to additional responsibilities when your plate is already full. Avoid checking work emails outside of working hours. 
• Make time for self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or practicing mindfulness. 
• Recognise the signs: Symptoms of burnout include fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of detachment from work. If you notice these signs, take action by reducing stressors and seeking support. 
• Seek professional help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you’re struggling. Therapy and counselling can provide valuable tools for managing stress and anxiety. 
• Burnout is not a badge of honour - it’s a warning sign that something needs to change. By fostering a culture that values wellbeing, both employers and individuals can create a healthier and more sustainable approach to work. Prioritising mental health is a necessity for long-term success, job fulfilment and happiness.

Find the article on the law gazette here: https://jobs.lawgazette.co.uk/article/from-burnout-to-balance-a-personal-journey-toward-mental-wellbeing