5 Signs You’re in Midlife Burnout (And What to Do About It)

Jennifer Brown
Aug 21
2 min read

Updated: Sep 5

You’re checking the boxes. You’ve worked hard. You may even appear successful to others—but inside, something feels ... off.

You’re tired in a way that sleep doesn’t fix. You're showing up for everyone, but disconnected from yourself. And you’re starting to wonder if this is all there is.

If any of that sounds familiar, you may be facing midlife burnout—and you’re not alone.

As a leadership and life coach who works with high-achieving professionals, I see this all the time: smart, successful people who hit a wall in midlife and wonder how to climb over it. The good news? There is a path through—and it starts with awareness.

Here are 5 signs that you may be in burnout, and what you can begin doing about it:

1. You Feel Constantly Exhausted—Mentally and Emotionally

It’s more than being tired. You’re emotionally spent. You dread the day ahead, even when it’s filled with things you “should” be able to handle. And your once-reliable drive? It’s in hiding.

🔄 Try This: Start tracking your energy instead of your time. What drains you? What even slightly fuels you? You can’t fix what you don’t notice.

2. You’ve Lost Your Sense of Purpose

You’ve accomplished a lot—but recently, you’re asking: Why does this even matter?That spark you once had feels buried under responsibilities, deadlines, and decisions.

🔄 Try This: Revisit your core values. What used to light you up? What do you want your next chapter to be about?

3. You’re Going Through the Motions

Your days blur together. You’re doing what’s expected, but not what’s meaningful. You find yourself thinking, Is this it?

🔄 Try This: Carve out 15 minutes each day for something that connects you to joy—even if it feels indulgent or unfamiliar right now.

4. Your Inner Critic Is Louder Than Ever

Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, perfectionism… they’ve all pulled up a chair. Even though you’ve earned your place, you constantly question it.

🔄 Try This: Ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend in this exact situation?” And then say it to yourself—out loud.

5. You’re Craving Change… But You Don’t Know Where to Start

There’s a quiet (or loud) voice saying, Something has to give. But the path forward feels overwhelming or invisible.

🔄 Try This: Don’t figure it all out alone. This is where coaching can help. A structured, supportive process can guide you from burnout into clarity and purpose-aligned action.

Final Thoughts

Midlife burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a wake-up call. One that asks: Are you ready to reconnect with what really matters and step into the life you’re meant to live?

You're next chapter doesn't have to be burnout. Let's find the clarity and energy you've been missing - together.

📍 Start your journey here → https://www.journeyofgracecoaching.com/contact