When Helping Others Comes at the Expense of Yourself: A reflection on burnout, guilt, and why support matters for people in helping professions
“Career coaching, done well, isn’t about pushing harder or chasing status. It’s about creating a career that is sustainable, values-aligned, and supportive of your whole life.”
Why People in Helping Professions Need a Career Coach (Yes—even you)
If you work in a helping profession—education, healthcare, nonprofit work, coaching, or social services you likely spend your days supporting others through complexity, change, and emotional weight.
You’re good at it.
And you’re probably tired.
Many people in helping roles hesitate to seek career support because they believe they should be able to figure it out themselves or because investing significant money in themselves feels uncomfortable, even indulgent.
But here’s what I see again and again: when helpers don’t receive support, they slowly disappear inside their work.
Career coaching, done well, isn’t about pushing harder or chasing status. It’s about creating a career that is sustainable, values-aligned, and supportive of your whole life.
That’s why I created Well by Design.
My clients don’t come to me for quick fixes or generic advice. They come because they want a thoughtful, high-touch partnership, someone who understands emotional labor, identity-level career decisions, and the complexity of wanting to make a meaningful impact without burning out.
When you invest in this kind of coaching, you’re not paying for answers. You’re investing in:
clarity that saves years of second-guessing
decisions made from intention rather than exhaustion
work that supports your wellbeing, not just your résumé
This work is a financial commitment because it’s a deep one. It requires time, honesty, and a willingness to design your career with the same care you give to others.
You don’t have to wait until you’re burned out to justify the investment.
You’re allowed to invest because you matter.
If you’re ready to support yourself with the same intention you bring to everyone else, I’d love to work together.
— Sarah, Well by Design
