Hey, fellow high achiever. Ever wonder why we’re often the first to burn out?
It’s because high achievers are the ones who are always on. The ones who are efficient, effective, and dependable. So dependable that leadership keeps piling on more without hesitation. We’re the ones who say yes, solve the hard problems, take initiative, and just… get shit done.
But the sad reality is because of that, high achievers often are the ones who are undervalued, underpaid, and overlooked. How convenient!
I’ve seen it time and time again with my clients, too. They are high performers putting in extra hours, going above and beyond, only to be met with resistance or indifference when they finally raise their hand for a raise, a promotion, or even a simple thank you. And the data backs it up. According to research by Deloitte, 83% of employees have experienced burnout at their current job, and nearly 60% of respondents said that their employer does not take action to mitigate this issue.
When recognition doesn’t match effort, even the most driven employees eventually start asking: What’s the point?
I know this experience firsthand. Even though I am a career coach, I still work in corporate and am also navigating the same dynamics that so many of you are — the moving goalposts, the “just do more” culture, and the constant pressure to prove your worth.
A few months ago, my manager built a full business case for my promotion. It was completely unexpected and it made me feel seen and valued. However, my team was positioned under new leadership this past spring and I found out that a leader (whose voice clearly carries weight) ended up blocking my promotion nomination. She claimed that I was “just doing my job really well,” despite a documented track record against business outcomes that said otherwise. Then came the kicker: I was then told my role might not even be promotable. (How is that even a thing???)
I followed every piece of advice I’d give my own clients in that situation:
✅ Proved my value with metrics and measurable impact
✅ Had honest, transparent conversations with leadership
✅ Raised concerns around equity and bias
And yet… it still wasn’t enough and nothing was addressed.
It was incredibly frustrating, but it also woke me up. I realized I would no longer link my self-worth to the level of work I give. I refuse to burn out or sacrifice my health or my family for a job. Especially when I’m not recognized or rewarded for the value I bring.
These days, I’m valuing different things anyways. Not titles or compensation, but the ability to do work I love, make an impact, and actually enjoy my life outside of it. I’m doing all of that, and that kind of alignment feels far more meaningful than chasing the next rung on the ladder.
So if this hits home for you, here’s a few recommended next steps:
- Pause and audit your energy. What’s one boundary you can set this week at work to protect your peace?
- Notice your automatic yeses. What are you agreeing to at work that’s coming at the expense of how you want to live your life?
- Redefine success on your terms. Ask yourself what fulfillment in your career looks like and start moving toward that.
The bottom line here is that being a high achiever shouldn’t come with a cost. It shouldn’t mean you have to do more to be seen. The system may not change overnight, but you can. And that shift alone is where your power begins.
Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based career alignment coach, speaker, and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. With over 15 years of professional experience in marketing and tech, including over a decade at Salesforce, Kelly provides an impactful and relatable insider view for clients. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, International Association of Women, and General Assembly. She’s fueled by black coffee, sunshine, a good ink pen, and a bold lip.
