When You Can't Go On: Burnout, Reckoning and Renewal

by Charles Hugh Smith

When I burned out, what I wanted but could not find was a practical guide by someone who had experienced burnout themselves. None of the material I found spoke to what I was experiencing or to my sense that our economy is now optimized to burn people out.I decided to write the guide I wanted but could not find. This is my experience of burnout, reckoning and renewal.

This book is my account of what helped me. The intended audience is other burnouts and those who want to better understand the experience of burnout.

Burnout is a life-changing experience in a good way, as absurd as that may sound to those in the depths of burnout. To paraphrase Samuel I can’t go on but I must go on. There is a way forward.

Genres: Nonfiction

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2022

Reviews

[Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think you're burned out, read this book. No excuses unless you enjoy the grinding exhaustion and lack of drive resulting from burn out. Smith's description of burn out and its lasting effects are completely accurate. It's also a useful book for people who think their family member, loved one or friend may be suffering from burn out.

Smith provides remedies for the symptoms and a path forward for long term relief from burn out - no pharmaceuticals required (unless you're suffering from severe depression or other acute health problems.)

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advice from one who’s been there…

In this book, Charles Hugh Smith gives a small treasure to those who have few resources left to give or receive. He speaks briefly and directly because he knows how much we burnouts can accept. I read quickly to discern there was value. Now I’ll reread the highlights to do the necessary work of self-acquisition and healing that the author suggests.