The Cost of Always Being ‘On’: How I Redefined Sustainable Success

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly ‘on,’ always running, yet never truly catching up? That was my reality for years - a relentless cycle of high-pressure work, exhaustion, and a belief that success meant pushing harder. But eventually, I had to ask myself: Is this sustainable?

This is the story of how I broke free from burnout, redefined success, and built a career and life that prioritises wellbeing.

The Reality of a Toxic Work Culture

In 2016, I was deep in the corporate events world in London - an industry known for its high-pressure environment. Long hours, constant travel, and always being available were the norm. I even downloaded Microsoft Outlook on my phone to check emails late at night and first thing in the morning. Sound familiar?

🔹 The impact on my mental and physical health

In all this I thought I was great at managing my stress. I worked in events after all – the 5th most stressful industry – I must be good at handling high pressure surely?

I was also practising yoga at the time and had discovered mindfulness so I really thought I had it in control.

However the signs were there- I was constantly exhausted, often emotionally drained, I developed painful sore throats and I was constantly on edge.

🔹 The ‘badge of honour’ culture around overworking

There was also the badge of honour culture - where overworking was seen as dedication. I proudly wore it, believing that working harder equalled greater success.

🔹 Feeling trapped in a cycle of stress and exhaustion

In reality, I was stuck in a cycle of stress and exhaustion, afraid to step off the treadmill. I knew it wasn’t right but I also looked around me and saw everyone doing it to some degree – long commutes, long hours, high pressure.

The Wake-Up Call

Everything changed when a team member experienced a personal trauma. The emotional and workload strain was overwhelming, and I realised: This isn’t just stressful; it’s unsustainable. It wasn’t just about my job - it was about my health, my happiness, and the example I was setting for others.

Leaving It Behind: The Journey to a New Way of Working

Walking away wasn’t easy. It took two years - first, a three-month career break, then another year back at work before finally making the leap. The fear and doubt were real: What if this is a mistake? But deep down, I knew something had to change.

Starting My Wellbeing Business

After traveling the world during my break, I returned with a fresh perspective. The job hadn’t changed, but I had. I started integrating wellbeing and mindfulness sessions into my workplace, and the results were immediate - people felt calmer, more aware, and better able to handle stress.

That experience sparked something in me, and I knew I wanted to take it further. I built my own wellbeing business, determined to prove that success didn’t have to come at the expense of health.

The Corporate Hangover

Even after leaving the corporate world, the hustle mindset was hard to shake. I felt pressure to work office hours, hustle for clients, and prove myself. I even worked up until the day I gave birth, despite planning to stop weeks before!

Taking maternity leave as a business owner felt impossible, and I feared that stepping away - even briefly - would make me irrelevant. This pressure reinforced the belief that success required constant effort.

Looking back, I see how deeply ingrained that mindset was. It took years to fully embrace a different way of working - one that honoured both my ambitions and my wellbeing.

The Bold Move to Mauritius: Slowing Down to Move Forward

Moving to Mauritius with my family felt like a step forward personally, but a step back professionally. I had no idea how my business would evolve. I brought a few loyal clients, a lot of trust in myself, and an openness to doing things differently.

Redefining Success

In London, success meant speed, status, and always being busy. In Mauritius, I had to slow down and trust that success could be built differently. It forced me to set better boundaries:

• Accepting that certain months (like January-March during cyclone season) are better for content creation and networking than for intense client work

• Working with my environment, not against it

• Truly prioritising my family - not just saying I would

For the first time, I understood self-care beyond surface-level practices. It wasn’t just about spa days; it was about truly being present - on walks, at the beach, in everyday moments.

What I’ve Learned: A New Definition of Success

So, what has this journey taught me?

1. Slower Doesn’t Mean Less Successful

Taking a more intentional approach to work has made my impact deeper and more meaningful. Success isn’t about rushing - it’s about building something sustainable.

2. Boundaries Are Essential

Success isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what matters. Setting clear boundaries has helped me work smarter, not harder.

3. Rest and Wellbeing Are Non-Negotiable

True self-care means structuring life and work in a way that supports long-term wellbeing, not just squeezing in moments of relaxation when burnout hits.

How You Can Apply This to Your Own Life

If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of stress, here are some ways to shift your approach:

✅ Audit Your Definition of Success – Are you chasing a version of success that truly aligns with your values?

✅ Set Boundaries – What’s one thing you can stop doing today that drains your energy?

✅ Embrace a New Pace – Slowing down doesn’t mean stopping - it means working in a way that’s sustainable for the long run.

You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Succeed

Burnout is not the price of success. You don’t have to sacrifice your wellbeing to build a thriving career. There’s another way - one that allows you to be ambitious and take care of yourself.

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to redefine success on your own terms, I’d love to support you. My Burnout to Balance coaching program is designed to help you create a sustainable, fulfilling career without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Let’s build a version of success that works for you.

Cover photo credit - https://unsplash.com/@lindsayhenwood?utm_source=wix-media-manager&utm_medium=referral