Guest Blog: Slow Slide into Burnout with Shelley Paulson

I never expected it to happen because I love my work as an Equine Photographer so much. But a slow slide into burnout started at the end of 2023.

Lengthy sickness led to a physical and mental breakdown, causing me to be hospitalized in January, which led to depression in February and March, as I learned that my beautiful horse Fritzie had a degenerative disease with no cure or hope for improvement.

 I spent almost a month waiting for the day we would put her down and end her suffering. Every day was like walking through cold molasses. So many tears. So much pain.

 Add to that significant, possibly life-changing health issues with close family members and the rising stress of owning a business in an uncertain economy.

During this dark season, I wondered,

"Will I ever feel like myself again?"

"Will I ever have the same ambition and joy in my business I felt 2 or 3 years ago?"

"Will I make it through this?"

 The answer to all three of these questions is, thankfully, yes!

The thing is, recovering from burnout didn't just happen. I had to take the reins and make some real changes to my life in order to reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

 I'm no expert at dealing with burnout, but I want to share the steps I'm taking because someday, or even today, you might find yourself where I was several months ago, and maybe my experience help you.

Take some time off

 After Fritzie's death, I took a week off. At that point, I knew I had nothing more to give anyone and needed time to process, rest, and find my bearings again.

 A few weeks later, I took a trip to visit a friend in California. Even though it was a photography-heavy trip, the work was all personal, so there was no pressure, and it offered a lot of opportunities for experimentation and growth.

 Getting out of my everyday routine served as a reset for my heart and mind.

 If you are feeling burned out, it's okay to step back and find ways to do less. Give yourself permission to say no to things that drain you and yes to things like naps and Netflix binges.

Accept that you may not be able to do everything you want to do

 I had a mentor session with a commercial photography mentor this week, and she said, "I can't believe how much you do. You must be very driven."

 I don't like to think of myself as driven, but I have a lot of ideas and the work ethic to bring them to life. So maybe that's just a nicer way to say I'm driven. 🫣

 But I'm realizing I can't keep doing it all and maintain good mental health.

 So, I'm slowing down on diving into new projects. I downsized one of my photography mentoring programs and committed to traveling less this year, as travel is often draining for me.

 If you're feeling burned out, look at what's on your plate and identify things you can eliminate or postpone so you have better margin in your life. You don't have to do everything all the time.

Redesign your work

 My work has become an idol in my life. I have sacrificed myself at the altar of making the best photos, having the best clients, being the best photography mentor, etc.

 But is it truly worth it? Will I care about these things on my deathbed?

 I didn't need to wait that long. The worse things got for me, the less I cared about being the best. I just wanted to feel better and find real joy in life again.

So, I'm stepping back from needing to be the best at everything and working on redefining significance and success outside of work.

 Do you prioritize work over everything? It's especially easy to do if you're a photographer because our work is so personal and fulfilling. But there's more to life. Please don't spend it chasing success at the expense of your mental health and personal fulfillment.

Lean on the people around you

 I didn't realize how incredible my inner circle was until things started to fall apart for me.

 The amount of love and support I've felt through this season almost makes going through it a blessing.

 I don't know if I've ever felt so healed by friendship.

 If you're going through a hard time, don't try to keep it all to yourself. Let the people around you know what's going on so they can offer their love and support.

I read a quote recently by Jennae Cecilia that read, "Flowers grow back after even the harshest winters. You will, too."

 Now, on the other side of burnout, I can tell you this is true.

 I feel more like myself again.

My joy is back.

My motivation is back.

And I made it through this.

 Whether you're going through burnout now or will in the future, I hope sharing my story will inspire you to make the changes you need to recover. No matter what you're facing today, know that with time and healing, you will bloom once again!

Shelley Paulson is a valued member of The Freelance Remuda community, with contributions including blog posts and a guest on the podcast . She is based in Minnesota and focuses on equine photography and video projects. Check out her educational opportunities at shelleypaulsoneducation.com!