I quit my 9-5 job. THEN I burned out

I quit my 9-5 corporate job to do my own thing. Then I burnt out.
Today I'm sharing my experience with quitting a safe 9-5 job and its negative consequences on my mental health. I talk about my story that led me here, about what I mean by "burnout" and what my mental and physical symptoms are/were, what I could have done better to avoid this, and what I'm changing.
If you're considering leaving your job to start your own business, you should definitely watch this so that you can maybe learn from mistakes:)
Instagram: / hnnhmalu
00:00 Intro
00:20 Background story
01:30 What I mean by "burnout"
06:09 Naivete
07:49 Shiny object syndrome
09:20 Backup plan
10:15 Loving work too much
12:30 What I'm changing
14:32 Takeaway
🎥 EQUIPMENT I USE
▸ Light 1 (Softbox): amzn.to/4aNoGUs
▸ Light 2 (Ringlight): amzn.to/4cZxIPL
▸ Mic (Rode): amzn.to/4aXqdXM
▸ Main Camara (Sony): amzn.to/3Q5G6U2
▸ Second Camera (iPhone 11): amzn.to/3U1k4Tz
▸ Noise Canceling Headphones: amzn.to/43XCY2p
🎵 MUSIC
▸ KZbin Audio Library
▸ Epidemic Sound: share.epidemicsound.com/bryzw2 (get your own FREE 30-day trial via this link)
🔧 TOOLS I RECOMMEND
Gling - An AI video editing tool saving me many hours of editing: gling.ai/?via=hannahmalu
TubeBuddy - To analyze KZbin: www.tubebuddy.com/pricing?a=h...
Notion - To organize work & life: affiliate.notion.so/hannahmalu
Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may get a small commission if you make a purchase via that link with NO extra cost to you.
Thank you for watching & pls remember to like and subscribe to support my channel for free:)
(Edited with Gling AI: bit.ly/46bGeYv)

[@TheYusufReport]

The burn out is real. Slow down but never give up. Everything is gonna work out perfectly, the way it supposed to. The best way to achieve our dreams is to have patience, consistency and discipline. The more you overstress yourself, the more likely that you will give up or lose momentum. Slow down 🌹

[@hnnhml]

Couldn’t have said it better :)

[@latifaed2176]

I agree 🙌

[@johnsjourney4978]

Everything is gonna work out perfectly...what a bunch of crap😂 for most people it doesnt work out.. only a lucky few.. and not for long..

[@TheYusufReport]

@@johnsjourney4978 you have a loser mindset.

[@Nikoolayy1]

Idealism is not working in the real world. Good have patience, consistency and discipline but sometimes you are not at the right place for you and that is just that. You risk changing stuff sometimes for the better sometimes for the worse but it is good experience and you learn from it, so this could be helpful later on in your life.

[@YorkshireTeaNBiccies]

Same here. Trapped in a cycle for four years and I’m now in depths of major burn out number 4. Stepping back from it all for 12 months. So many truths here. Thank you 😊

[@hnnhml]

Sorry to hear that but glad to hear you're taking time to recover:)

[@justinlaser]

I quit my full-time job in 2015 and everything you say is correct. You become acutely aware of time and limitations on your energy in a way I never considered before. Shiny Object Syndrome usually manifests from a lapse in confidence and direction and its best to beat it back as early as possible.

[@hnnhml]

Totally agreed!

[@swandaley]

The unrealistic expectations and trying to do too many things at once will get you. I had to learn the hard way. I'm happy you're sharing your experiences and letting everyone learn from them.

[@Brittanyem]

This is identical to what happened to me when I quit my 9-5. It took so much mental effort to get out of my chair and it took immense concentration just to wash a dish. Thank you for sharing, first time I’d ever heard this in the context of leaving the workforce (so antithetical to what I had expected!)

[@hnnhml]

I hope you feel better now/soon:)

[@Brittanyem]

@@hnnhml Thank you, much better :)

[@utophobiarepublic316]

Thank you for sharing your experience! After 2 years of struggling I really considered of quitting my job right now. I hate my daily routine and got stuck in avolition, couldn't complete any simple task in my daily life, and I just got so thrilled when watched many KZbin videos saying everything will be okay after quitting your job. I'm grateful to see the other side of the story, maybe what I need now is to slow my life down and regenerate my health and energy before making some important decisions. Thank you again Hannah wish you all the best~

[@hnnhml]

Happy you found this helpful:) and yes, I think taking a step back before taking the actual leap doesn't hurt - all the best to you, too 🤗

[@Rockin.Bakken]

I quit my job 3 months ago to follow my dreams and I’m still recovering from burnout 😅 I had this grand idea that I was going to be so motivated after quitting my job, but I have slept SO much. Im still struggling with motivation, but allowing ourselves to rest is huge. I agree with you! I’m proud of you for listening to yourself and your body 🩷

[@hnnhml]

I think it’s good that you’re listening to your body and are focusing on recovering before diving into your next big project - that way you’ll have more energy and stress resistance later on. And i think once you’re reenergized the motivation will come:)

[@latifaed2176]

Oh my God 😂😂😂😂😂 fortunately, i'm not the only one who feel these kind of feeling @Rockin.Bakken

[@WeSeeFoxes]

This is beyond helpful for me at this time. The self diagnosis culture is sad, but the fact that you did actually hit burnout is representative how the ‘keep pushing’ mentality is for the few. I really hope you get what you want. I've been pushing for 21 years now (music business first and then architectural practices) and achieved great things, but still haven't hit my ‘goal’ as it slides up hill…I feel the rollercoaster isn't put across enough in the hustle culture and videos like this help to make people like me (who probably fall into that bracket 🙄) feel more human. Thank you so much and if you ever put a group together then make sure you add me! 💪 Keep your head up and staying mindful of your health. 💌

[@hnnhml]

I agree so much, it really helps a lot to know that these struggles are more common than you think. Thanks for sharing and you too remember to stay mindful of your health ☺️

[@lbks16]

What did you do in the music business? I am a full time music producer now

[@slovicken]

I keep finger crossed for you Hannah I know what burn out is - my body did’t know what it means to rest Now I quit my 9-7 job, found another for less money and less time and I am going to work for my future little business after hours. Quitting wasn’t wrong - you did your best what you felt at that time on the past.

[@hnnhml]

Thank you

[@r6095o]

I've been doing the 'do my own thing' all my life. And I value the freedom and adventure - but looking back I always have had 2 completely different type of jobs. 1 passion/career job taking a lot of energy (ambitious, concentrate in front of a computer etc)- and 1 completely different job like a weekend job in a restaurant (not manager, dishwasher, host, at times server - but never manager). These 2 completely different jobs have made me balance things best. Just sharing in case helpful for someone reading this..

[@hnnhml]

I feel like this is a very very smart thing to do:D happy to hear its working out for you and thank you for sharing☺️

[@propertystories]

Highly relatable. I experienced burned out too because I love what I do. I also have to force myself to take a break and workout or not to work till late nights. All the best to you Hannah and thanks for sharing!

[@hnnhml]

I feel you! All the best to you too!

[@Karika_ite]

I find myself almost in the exact same situation since I finished school (0/10 horrible experience) and absolutely dread the thought of further education. So my life depended on my gap year where I try so hard to do everything at once which was all completely new and quickly find success at the same time (with this channel and I'm still at the preparations phase), while struggling with disabilities and almost no reliable jobs I can do to earn money, which adds a lot of stress. Now I'm slowly choosing the education path to escape this shitty job market which I kinda hate myself for since everything I worked for so far was so I could do the opposite and never touch a one-size-fits-all education building again in my life while also not turning into a jobless family disappointment... Accepting the fact that the first things you create will suck and that it takes wayyyyyyy longer is hard but necessary. Thank you for making this video, you articulated all those feelings and struggles so well and opened my eyes. I wish you good luck in whatever you do now 💝💖

[@hnnhml]

I hope you’ll find the path that fits you:) and yes its definitely not easy having to create sucky things at first without losing motivation but i think its very normal and gets easier with time:) All the best 💛

[@NicksHEAT1995]

Just keep in mind...we will all die and nothing ACTUALLY matters in the sense that people think it does. Everyone, have a nice life.

[@hnnhml]

word:)

[@os6997]

Thanks for sharing your experience, hope you are doing fine now !

[@hnnhml]

Glad you found it helpful and yes, I’m doing much better now, thank you☺️

[@jonlima9897]

Thanks for this video!

[@hnnhml]

Glad it was helpful:)

[@jonlima9897]

@@hnnhml did you manage to find a new job already?

[@em8969]

Thanks for this, real talk

[@hnnhml]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@TheFocusedCoder]

Great video, you hit on so many critical topics for those looking to build something outside their 9-5

[@hnnhml]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful ☺️

[@RetireandGo]

True Being realistic and having income through the transition. It’s stressful The talk about losing sleep This was very honest and appreciated

[@RetireandGo]

@@hnnhmlthank you for the honest discussion

[@Arestkaramazov]

thanks for sharing your story

[@hnnhml]

You’re very welcome:)

[@theannareich]

Great video, Hannah! I had a similar experience, although I didn't quit my job "for good". I took a 6-month sabbatical between jobs last year and was gonna do so much for my channel but it took me 3 months just to recover from my previous job. I slept 10 hours a night and could hardly focus. So rather than posting more, I ended up not posting at all for 2 months. Looking back, I think that's completely normal and I would plan in at least 3 months of recovery & exploration next time rather than expecting to be productive right away 🥲 Great to hear that you found a way to reduce stress and keep going. I look forward to learning more about how you're managing your life doing your own thing!

[@hnnhml]

thank you, anna! I feel you - I should have done the same after quitting, probably :D I hope you're doing good now ☺

[@katiephilippou4603]

I don't think I've ever heard the term "burnout" explained so well

[@wanderlustintrovert]

Burn-Out wird oft nur in Verbindung mit ganz viel negativem Stress oder Druck "auf Arbeit" besprochen, aber man kann auch genau das tun, was man will und sich dabei selbst überfordern, ohne es zu merken. Wichtiges Videos bzw. wichtige Perspektive! Viel Glück & Erfolg für die Zukunft

[@hnnhml]

Genau! Vielen Dank:)

[@relight6931]

You bring a really good point about pacing yourself. I am notoriously bad at this. I think on a subconscious level is part of the reason why I didn't yet do as you did. Also, I started working from home since Covid, and since then, I have basicly zero stress from work, last 4 years. I will most likely tend to some areas I need to improve first, then in a year start slowly working at the same time, while keeping my current job, until my other gig takes off. Otherwise, it will be as it has always been. I will just become obsessed, never stop.. I know myself, and I am confident by now, that I have no control, over things I love. Having insomnia my whole life, usually plays into that too.. Thanks for the thought. Subbed.

[@hnnhml]

building your gig next to your chill (sounding) fulltime job sounds like a smart idea:)

[@latifaed2176]

I defineletly agree with what you said, i've been through the same thing same symtomes same fears same... at the end we are humans and because here in social media people don't show this part of their life, we feel incapable lazy and so on. Thank you so much and for everyone who's true ❤❤❤❤

[@hnnhml]

I hope you feel better soon 💛

[@latifaed2176]

@@hnnhml 🙏🙏 you too much love ❤️❤️❤️

[@BonnieVoyage]

Girl I feel you ❤️❤️

[@hnnhml]

💛💛

[@eightsprites]

I quit at age 45, after 25 years in tech. My plan was to start developing my own app, after the weekend. I couldn’t sit infront of computer for 18month. Made me feel sick.

[@hnnhml]

Understandable. I hope you feel better now!

[@SuprBestFriends]

I Over active adrenal glands with anxiety and I don’t wish these symptoms on anyone. It truly is debilitating.

[@hnnhml]

I hope you’ll be better soon!

[@AhrielleLive]

This was a great video! Love the perspective of seeing and appreciating corporate jobs for what they are and reinforcing the necessity of taking breaks 💗 Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@hnnhml]

Glad to hear you found it helpful ☺️💛

[@theblackandwhitecate]

Thanks for making this video. Keep taking care of yourself.

[@hnnhml]

Glad you found value in it and will do🥰

[@effortlessjapanese123]

i think apart from quitting your job, the change in your environment (Germany -> NY) did put a huge toll on your stress too. Good luck with your journey!

[@hnnhml]

Very true probably - even though that part was mainly positive stress, it was definitely intense:D thank you!

[@AdaptWithElina]

This is something that I think so many people actually experience, but never talk about. Thank you for telling your story! I can only agree to... everything you said in this video. My story is just slightly different - instead of coroporate job, I worked as a marketing freelancer for other small businesses 'just until I stand on my own feet'. This stupid plan caused 2 burnouts before 30 (can you get in Forbes with that? :D ), and the last one was so severe I couldn't work for 3-4 months at all. Now the lesson I've learnt is - taking care of myself first. My health, my wellbeing, my business. And only then of others. There is still a long road ahead to 'get on my feet'. However, there is one quote that keeps me going: 'Do the best you can, until you know better. Then do better.' And, as you said - better doesn't always mean 'more'. P.S. Sometimes actually I wish I had worked at corporate first! It teaches you how a solid business looks like, how it operates, the language people use in the industry, which can be extremely helpful when starting your own thing.

[@hnnhml]

Thanks for sharing - I'm glad to hear you're better now :) And regarding your P.S. ... I guess we can learn from everything. My corporate jobs most often actually showed me that even the biggest, successful companies don't have it all figured out tbh :D

[@AdaptWithElina]

@@hnnhml Thanks! Haha, true, the grass is always greener, until you zoom it in :D

[@hnnhml]

@@AdaptWithElina indeed:D

[@iamexpansive]

Thank you for sharing this. It's important to hear both sides-the romanticized and the unromanticized -it can be stressful. Hope you get better soon.

[@hnnhml]

Happy you found it helpful, thank you so much☺️

[@worldview730]

Tough & challenging life for you, but you are a survivor.

[@hnnhml]

🫶

[@v1d300]

Take care. Cal Newport is launching or launched his new book so he is making rounds in several big podcasts. What he talks about is 'slow productivity', you should look into it. I think it will help you bolster all the thoughts you discussed and help you stay on track you are on now. Good luck.

[@hnnhml]

I’ve literally been listening to several recent podcast episodes with him where he talks about just that - I’m really planning on listening to his advice (also in the long run😏). Thanks for the tip☺️

[@plimsoul27]

I am currently working a 9-5 and have for 30+ years...but am trying to start my own business...and I have in the past also...unfortunately nothing ever took hold. But I can say in 30+ plus years nothing has gotten easier...in fact it's the opposite...I'm working more hours and doing more difficult kinds of work than I ever have in my life...and yes my salaray has increased...but I am burned out with not enough savings to really retire for long...so if I don't make something else work...I will be working 9-5 until I drop dead. Don't be like me and try to scramble when you are older...it's just too hard. Thanks Hannah for sharing your situation and struggles...blessings to you...I wish you success and happiness!

[@hnnhml]

Sounds tough! I’m crossing my fingers that things will turn out well for you soon:)

[@CarnivoreHealsAutoimmune]

Oof. Thanks for this i needed it.

[@hnnhml]

Glad I could help:) and all the best

[@ygee]

Same boat right now. I quit my job last month and it felt liberating. However, I'm ready to go back to a 9 to 5 if all else fails.

[@hnnhml]

I wish you all the best with your endeavors!☺️

[@ygee]

Thank you @@hnnhml! All the best to you too

[@hnnhml]

Thank you!

[@kratos5548]

smart decision quitting without a backup - thats the only true method to see the great things you are capable of. even better when you cannot afford simple things like food/health care due to quitting your 9-5---you gonna force that greatness out. you quit because you know there is more for you out there. people stay in a stable job for decades because they fear whats out there. Any 9-5 job that jeopardizes your well being/physical health/mental health etc needs to go immediately - there is no creating or planning a backup! Drop that job the next day, figure the rest out after because your greatest wealth you will ever posses is your health.

[@hnnhml]

I guess it always depends kn the situation, but many would agree with you

[@trouaconti7812]

Hustle is a worldwide sport now and so is burnout. Me thinks hustle ain’t sustainable and we need to stop this culture

[@hnnhml]

Agreed!

[@Clasam09]

Hi Hannah! Where did you live when you working your corporate? And as a follow up, how did your company rank on the list of employee satisfaction? Cheers

[@hnnhml]

In Munich, Germany:) the company is a pretty good employer and overall the employee satisfaction is pretty decent there, except for the salaries (which are relatively low ish because its the media industry). Cheerioo

[@Clasam09]

@@hnnhml thx for the answer. How do you think you could have slowed the burn out? Or would you have not left? Mahalo!

[@ToastRusk]

I played this video to my wife as she was able to relate.

[@hnnhml]

All the best to her:)

[@nishantanand2267]

same feeling

[@hnnhml]

I hope you’ll be better soon:)

[@giuseppeLizzi-rj3er]

I worked from 930-300 600-1000 for 6 days a week sometimes 7 most days I felt really uncomfortable 😣

[@hnnhml]

Good that thats in the past then:)

[@Reeteshxd]

hey Hannah, by any chance do you require a video editor ?

[@hnnhml]

No thanks, I like to edit myself

[@hannahteitink9910]

For myself I try to take a break by drawing / painting and that I have to be by myself, watch a movie or listen to music. idk if that helps ;)

[@hnnhml]

I wanted to start painting too, I think that’s a great, non digital way to relax :) need to get myself some paint!

[@hainguyenau2866]

If your 9-5 gives you burnouts, quit. If quitting gives you burnouts, dont.

[@hnnhml]

If only it were this easy:D

[@lazybeastz182]

nothing is perfect working in cooporate or doing your own thing honestly I just want to retire early and not work in either. I think when I work at home sometimes I get the burn out even though people say working at home is so good.

[@hnnhml]

I agree, it all has an upside and a downside. And about working from home - I read that research actually supports your feeling, that people working from home have a bigger risk to burn out compared to office-goers, because at home it can be harder to detach from work (and also to actually take breaks). So maybe try out working at co-working spaces if you don't have an office to go to, that might help:)

[@soapa4279]

I'm not here to post some inspirational book club quote like the rest of the people here. Just that finally refreshing to see someone post some reality of quitting the "9-5" and not see it being glorified it like it's the best thing to do for everyone. The reality is also that 9-5's work great for some people, and for others may not. We're all just trying to survive and figure things out.

[@hnnhml]

I agree:)

[@loliwelch9151]

This comment is a little condescending...

[@WH-ne9jl]

Why would you leave a job too start a online buisness and move too a place with one of the highest cost of living on earth? Set yourself up to fail

[@hnnhml]

I guess youre right about that😅🤷‍♀️

[@WH-ne9jl]

Courage resilience and can take criticism. You're going too be just fine hannah

[@gutierrez71]

3 months come by quick

[@hnnhml]

yup indeed

[@fatimateresa19]

I wish I had a 9-5 job. Mine is 7am to 07:30 pm 🤣🤣

[@hnnhml]

Oh..I hope it’s sth you really love at least?:D

[@Rick-ng3lr]

Want to get a real burnout and get grey hair? Have kids. Guaranteed success

[@hnnhml]

😄 oh I believe that!

[@NicksHEAT1995]

1000%.

[@Terracronz]

Watch the video “a boring job is a dream job”

[@hnnhml]

I think that was recommended to me..didn’t get around to watch it yet, but will do, thanks for the tip!

[@govindrao6624]

The question which is arises after listening to you is ,what is attachment ?

[@hnnhml]

I’m not sure I know what you mean🤔

[@DavidGarcia-ep1yh]

Come on corporate is not that bad, you only need to work 70+ hours per week for a big 4 accounting firm, does anyone relate?

[@hnnhml]

😁

[@engineered-mind]

Burn out is real

[@justlearning1881]

recharge is key

[@hnnhml]

Word 🙌🏻

[@kdeuler]

Well, if you do your own thing in AMERICA, don't get seriously hurt or sick. Health care and insurance is expensive.

[@hnnhml]

True, the social security and healthcare system in Germany is definitely a big advantage

[@hiswords1715]

If you are a woman who are about to graduate, you're doing workouts and love to read books especially on politics/history/philosophy and you like to have long convos over the phone I just want you to know that you are so very loved by the One who made you and you are truly never alone. I bless you 🙏

[@WheresWaldo05]

There isn't enough money in the world to pay me to want to.... like to work. I do it cause i have to. But its not what i was born unto this earth for. It's definitely not the point of life.

[@hnnhml]

Are you sure there isn’t any type of work youd enjoy? Not even for performing your hobbies, for example?

[@WheresWaldo05]

@@hnnhml If i had ended up as a commerical fisherman (as my high school test once stated was my #1 path) and being the outdoorsman fisherman that i am, i would have ended up dreading fishing as a hobby, as i now am doing it to force myself to put food on the table. As an example. If someone loved to golf. But then decided to be a pro golfer, do you think the added pressure and stress of trying to win at the sport would be better or worse for them?

[@PANIC_aka_PinD]

Why on earth would you want to go to NY?

[@hnnhml]

Because best city in the world 🤷‍♀️ imo at least🙃

[@turboZ3]

huh??! i thought it was the other way around lol

[@hnnhml]

Hehe yep so did I:D

[@turboZ3]

@@hnnhml girl

[@ntaolenglebitsa5829]

Do you consider KZbin as a hobby or business

[@hnnhml]

Business:)

[@cagcag696]

You need to quit with a plan. I quit while having enough passive income to never work again in my life.

[@hnnhml]

wise move:)

[@polyaplus]

Quitting a 9-5 is a dangerous mistake but it is better than Dropping out of school!!!

[@hnnhml]

I wouldn't say it's a mistake, at least for me it definitely wasn't - I just could have handled my self-employment better;)

[@lerimusurelu6908]

You are really beautiful!

[@hnnhml]

Oh thank you🥰

[@wds3222]

its kinda not safe to just drop the job without no backup plan.

[@hnnhml]

Maybe true (depending on your emergency fund and things like the current job market)..but then again, what in life is really safe;)

[@goldstandardaviation1667]

Hun, you are way too young to be burned out.

[@hnnhml]

I agree😅

[@xpload32004]

Sounds like symptoms from the covid injections

[@tarjeik7162]

OMG…you’re so nice….wanna marry a norwegian??😻😇😍 up here its really peaceful….no more burnout🥰

[@RichL_Arts]

It's very hard to vecome naturalized in Norway. I have relatives there, they know the struggles.

[@tarjeik7162]

@@RichL_Arts not concerning marriage w a citizen

[@RichL_Arts]

@@tarjeik7162 I know. My uncle married a Norwegian resident. But after the divorce it went bad for him. I think he is only allowed to stay because he has a family there.

[@blackcloudtattooer9255]

Of course you got burnout , it’s German work ethic lol

[@hnnhml]

😁 there’s some truth to that..

[@EricMoore790]

Hot Hannah

[@hnnhml]

🥰

[@Urmomlolllllll]

Sehr mutig! Viel Glück für die Zukunft ❤

[@hnnhml]

Danke:)

[@dacianbonta2840]

stronk. indupendant. like fish needs bicycle. good. goood.

[@hnnhml]

Fish needs bicycle?😁

[@user-cq9ph5pz1j]

I quit a month ago now I'm in spain rizzing up the beach, paying 20 bucks for a hostel with good food.

[@hnnhml]

Sounds nicee