At the peak of my career, I was simultaneously nurturing a side business as an online fitness coach for a well-known networking company.
In this dual role, I managed my own clients and mentored my team, juggling these responsibilities alongside a demanding corporate job as a VP of Marketing at a fast-growing startup.
My days were tightly scheduled.
I’d start by waking up early to workout and update my social media before heading to my day job, where I oversaw three direct reports and handled a myriad of responsibilities.
During lunch breaks, I’d catch up on messages and check in with my fitness clients.
Evenings were reserved for outreach, team updates, and managing online bootcamps, typically spending one to two hours on these tasks daily.
Amid all this, in what might have been a questionable move, I decided to squeeze in Bible school and kick off a podcast too.
And somehow, I still kept up with an active social life, enjoying weekends out and the occasional happy hour.
Despite the brimming calendar, I miraculously never hit burnout—sure, I was often tired, but never to the point of feeling completely overwhelmed.
Here’s how I managed to keep burnout at bay:
- Follow Your Passion: Both my corporate role and side hustle were more than just jobs; they were sources of joy. This passion transformed potential stress into positive energy, making even challenging days feel rewarding.
- Maintain a Strict Schedule: I kept a meticulous calendar and checklist for daily tasks. This structured approach allowed my brain to operate in a “flow” state, minimizing the mental bandwidth needed to decide what to tackle next. The repetitive nature of my routine boosted my productivity by reducing decision fatigue.
- Prioritize Health: Integrating workouts into my daily routine was crucial—not only for my physical health but for mental clarity. Regular exercise and a balanced diet kept my energy levels stable and enhanced my focus, allowing me to manage my responsibilities effectively.
- Cultivate a Supportive Network: Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals, particularly other women who were also juggling multiple roles, provided a constant source of motivation and practical advice. This community was a bulwark against imposter syndrome and a sounding board for navigating challenges.
- Engage in Daily Personal Development: I dedicated time each day to personal growth, whether it was listening to a podcast, reading a book, or enjoying motivational content. This habit ensured I was continually learning from others’ experiences, helping me avoid common pitfalls and stay inspired.
- Practice Self-Compassion: I learned to not take setbacks too seriously. Mistakes were opportunities for learning, not reflections of my worth. This mindset helped me view my journey as a series of experiences rather than a final destination, alleviating the pressure that often leads to burnout.
Juggling a side hustle with a full-time gig is no joke, but it’s totally doable with the right tricks up your sleeve.
Dive into work that lights you up, keep your schedule tight, stay on top of your health, lean on your peeps, keep learning, and go easy on yourself.
This way, you keep your energy buzzing and your spirits high for the long haul.
Just remember, dodging burnout isn’t about doing less—it’s all about working smarter.

Thania (TA Content Mgr)