Episode 117 – Why Am I So Burned Out Even Though I’m Successful?

Link to YouTube – https://youtu.be/a_CWtjAg8i0

In episode #117, “Why Am I So Burned Out Even Though I’m Successful?”, Tim Goodwin and Joe Beckford unpack a question many high achievers quietly ask themselves: why do I feel exhausted when my career, finances, and life look successful on paper? They describe burnout as the result of constantly performing, carrying responsibility, and staying “on” for too long without real rest. For many successful professionals, the very habits that helped them build a great life—discipline, ambition, and persistence—can also create mental fatigue, resentment, and the urge to walk away from it all. This episode speaks directly to anyone dealing with career burnout, success fatigue, or the feeling of being trapped by the life they worked so hard to create.

A major theme of the conversation is that success does not protect you from burnout. Tim and Joe explain that high performers often become so used to pushing through stress that they forget rest is part of the process, not a reward after the process. They compare it to training a muscle: without recovery, even strength begins to break down. That is why they emphasize the importance of slowing down through practices like counseling, Sabbath rest, time away, hobbies, exercise, and simply creating space to think. Their point is clear: if you never step back, your body, mind, and emotions will eventually force the issue.

The episode also offers practical guidance for people wondering whether they should quit their job or make a major life change. Rather than making a rash decision in the middle of burnout, Tim and Joe encourage listeners to explore other options first. That could mean negotiating part-time work, shifting to contract or 1099 work, taking a sabbatical, pursuing semi-retirement, or building a financial plan that creates more flexibility. They stress that many people have more choices than they realize, especially when they sit down with a financial planner and look closely at retirement readiness, income needs, healthcare options, and long-term tax strategy. For listeners searching for answers around how to deal with burnout, when to quit your job, or how to retire early without panic, this conversation offers a calm and thoughtful framework.

Ultimately, the episode is about reclaiming freedom before burnout leads to a breaking point. Tim and Joe encourage successful but exhausted listeners not to wait until they are desperate to “pull the rip cord.” Instead, they recommend paying attention to early signs of stress, building rhythms of rest, and making career decisions thoughtfully rather than impulsively. The message is both compassionate and practical: if you are burned out even though you are successful, you are not broken, and you are not stuck. With the right support, a healthy plan, and permission to slow down, it is possible to protect your health, preserve your wealth, and build a version of success that actually feels sustainable.

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https://www.goodwininvestment.com/handling-financial-anxiety-with-nate-mirabella/

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​​The following transcript of the podcast audio was software-generated, and not reviewed for accuracy. Therefore, the transcript below should not be used without verifying the validity and accuracy of its content. Please contact Goodwin Investment Advisory with any questions.

Tim (00:01)
And welcome back to the Money Pig podcast. We’re your hosts Joe Beckford and Tim Goodwin. Today we’re super excited to talk about why am I so burned out even though I’m successful. But before we do Joe, let’s talk. Let’s do you know what you call a really bad psychic.

Joe (00:01)
And welcome back to the Money Pig podcast. We’re your hosts Joe Beckford and Tim Goodwin. Today we’re super excited to talk about why am I so burned out even though I’m successful. But before we do Joe, let’s talk. Let’s do you know what you call a really bad psychic.

Tim (00:25)
A fortune teller.

Joe (00:25)
A fortune teller.

Tim (00:30)
That’s so nice. Okay, so you know how we to travel, right? You know I love to travel and that’s like boat, plane, air. So I like ocean travel too. So do you know what happened when the two oceans met? What did they say to each other? I don’t know what they say. Nothing, they just waved. Aw, sweet. Silent waves. Waves. Bada-bum. Lots of silence. Bravo.

Joe (00:30)
That’s so nice. Okay, so you know how we to travel, right? You know I love to travel and that’s like boat, plane, air. So I like ocean travel too. So do you know what happened when the two oceans met? What did they say to each other? I don’t know what they say. Nothing, they just waved. Aw, sweet. Silent waves. Waves. Bada-bum. Lots of silence. Bravo.

Tim (00:59)
Even the studio audience isn’t laughing at that one. The large studio audience is quiet. Oh my gosh. So how’s it going, Joe? Things going good? Yeah. Anything interesting happening in your life? No, the same interesting things are happening all the time, which makes them not seem so interesting. Oh yeah.

Joe (00:59)
Even the studio audience isn’t laughing at that one. The large studio audience is quiet. Oh my gosh. So how’s it going, Joe? Things going good? Yeah. Anything interesting happening in your life? No, the same interesting things are happening all the time, which makes them not seem so interesting. Oh yeah.

Tim (01:19)
To you, maybe. What about you? What’s interesting happening in your life? There’s always something in the Goodman household that’s interesting. you know what is interesting is to try to keep animals in the right place, like in the sectioned area, like in the fenced-in area, in the gate. And usually it’s like a sheep or a goat or something escapes. Not at my house. That’s not what a usual thing is. That unfortunately is too usual at mine. Maybe at Ms. Margin’s house, but not at my house. That’s true. Ms. Margin’s got some animals too.

Joe (01:19)
To you, maybe. What about you? What’s interesting happening in your life? There’s always something in the Goodwin household that’s interesting. you know what is interesting is to try to keep animals in the right place, like in the sectioned area, like in the fenced-in area, in the gate. And usually it’s like a sheep or a goat or something escapes. Not at my house. That’s not what a usual thing is. That unfortunately is too usual at mine. Maybe at Ms. Margin’s house, but not at my house. That’s true. Ms. Margin’s got some animals too.

Tim (01:49)
But it’s been my little dog that’s been escaping lately. ⁓ And I don’t love it because he goes across the road and that’s a busy road. That’s scary. Yeah. And then he just goes right into my neighbor’s house. He knows how to get in there and apparently has like this little recliner that he just sits on. And so anytime sometime around dinnertime, like the family’s like, is anybody seeing Pip? No. When did you see Pip? We call the neighbors. Is Pip in the chair? ⁓ yep. He is. in the chair.

Joe (01:49)
But it’s been my little dog that’s been escaping lately. ⁓ And I don’t love it because he goes across the road and that’s a busy road. That’s scary. Yeah. And then he just goes right into my neighbor’s house. He knows how to get in there and apparently has like this little recliner that he just sits on. And so anytime sometime around dinnertime, like the family’s like, is anybody seeing Pip? No. When did you see Pip? We call the neighbors. Is Pip in the chair? ⁓ yep. He is. in the chair.

Tim (02:17)
But my front, I have a gate to my property and it got loose because we have another neighbor dog that’s kind of pushed it open and I figured out how to tighten that gate. And then this weekend I saw the neighbor’s dog walk up. I was actually out there trimming our fruit trees. We had some fruit trees. And I do love this dog and I like this dog. I just don’t want him to loosen the gate. And he came up to the gate and I kind of was like, what’s up Noah? And just kind of walked away, come on in if you want. And he couldn’t come through. So I was like, yes I did. I opened it up, let him in.

Joe (02:17)
But my front, I have a gate to my property and it got loose because we have another neighbor dog that’s kind of pushed it open and I figured out how to tighten that gate. And then this weekend I saw the neighbor’s dog walk up. I was actually out there trimming our fruit trees. We had some fruit trees. And I do love this dog and I like this dog. I just don’t want him to loosen the gate. And he came up to the gate and I kind of was like, what’s up Noah? And just kind of walked away, come on in if you want. And he couldn’t come through. So I was like, yes I did. I opened it up, let him in.

Tim (02:47)
That’s what’s interesting with me is that I, I’m very often like when you have a gate on a farm, you are, you’re often working on that gate. Yeah, at least that’s where I’m at. Please don’t call me for gate maintenance people. I could give you free advice, but yeah, definitely worked on the gate here recently. So I know that’s why everybody tuned in for how to work on your gate and prevent your little pit dog from escaping. But, ⁓ we’re talking today about why am I so burned out even though I’m successful. So let’s jump in, Joe. Tell me about it. Let’s do it. Yeah.

Joe (02:47)
That’s what’s interesting with me is that I, I’m very often like when you have a gate on a farm, you are, you’re often working on that gate. Yeah, at least that’s where I’m at. Please don’t call me for gate maintenance people. I could give you free advice, but yeah, definitely worked on the gate here recently. So I know that’s why everybody tuned in for how to work on your gate and prevent your little pit dog from escaping. But, ⁓ we’re talking today about why am I so burned out even though I’m successful. So let’s jump in, Joe. Tell me about it. Let’s do it. Yeah.

Tim (03:16)
What are we talking about here? We’re talking about, you know, talking about somebody who works hard, does all the right things, does all the responsible things has come to a point in life where they can look back at the trail behind them and go, wow, I’ve, I’ve done really, really well for myself. And now a lot of times they’ve got like maybe the high powered career. It’s very demanding. They’re juggling family, they’re juggling friends or juggling their career and things are going great. Nice house.

Joe (03:16)
What are we talking about here? We’re talking about, you know, talking about somebody who works hard, does all the right things, does all the responsible things has come to a point in life where they can look back at the trail behind them and go, wow, I’ve, I’ve done really, really well for myself. And now a lot of times they’ve got like maybe the high powered career. It’s very demanding. They’re juggling family, they’re juggling friends or juggling their career and things are going great. Nice house.

Tim (03:46)
Automobiles all the things all the gratifying things all the end the blessings are coming back to them and they’re like I am so burned out I can’t see straight I’m like ready to trade it all in and just go to a cabin in the woods and pretend I don’t know anybody Like this seems irrational you spent like your whole life to try to kill the rest. Yeah, but they get burned out Yeah, and it’s not uncommon. Yeah, so

Joe (03:46)
Automobiles all the things all the gratifying things all the end the blessings are coming back to them and they’re like I am so burned out I can’t see straight I’m like ready to trade it all in and just go to a cabin in the woods and pretend I don’t know anybody Like this seems irrational you spent like your whole life to try to kill the rest. Yeah, but they get burned out Yeah, and it’s not uncommon. Yeah, so

Tim (04:09)
you know, what does that burnout look like? You know, it’s it’s almost like fatigue, right? They’re so fatigued, exactly maintaining the identity, the performance you’re talking about. They’re like, I’m just going to escape to the cabin in the woods, ⁓ which is funny because you would think that like failure fatigue or some other version of fatigue is what creates problems. But I think this is a really great, interesting topic to say maybe maybe success leads a certain amount of fatigue if not done right. That kind of old adage of too much of a good thing can create problems. Right. So

Joe (04:09)
you know, what does that burnout look like? You know, it’s it’s almost like fatigue, right? They’re so fatigued, exactly maintaining the identity, the performance you’re talking about. They’re like, I’m just going to escape to the cabin in the woods, ⁓ which is funny because you would think that like failure fatigue or some other version of fatigue is what creates problems. But I think this is a really great, interesting topic to say maybe maybe success leads a certain amount of fatigue if not done right. That kind of old adage of too much of a good thing can create problems. Right. So

Tim (04:38)
this success burnout is like they’re always on right? They’re always hitting that performance. They built that career and they’ve like you said, they’re benefiting from it. But now it’s coming with and it’s good to have expectations. We were talking about this before this level of expectations that I think for somebody that doesn’t have any expectations like nobody expects anything of them like that’s not that’s not real great. That’s not a really great place. It’s not a big motivator. No, I mean students and young people like they need somebody that expects them to win that thinks they can.

Joe (04:38)
this success burnout is like they’re always on right? They’re always hitting that performance. They built that career and they’ve like you said, they’re benefiting from it. But now it’s coming with and it’s good to have expectations. We were talking about this before this level of expectations that I think for somebody that doesn’t have any expectations like nobody expects anything of them like that’s not that’s not real great. That’s not a really great place. It’s not a big motivator. No, I mean students and young people like they need somebody that expects them to win that thinks they can.

Tim (05:08)
But then maybe it gets to a point and maybe it’s on ourselves where we’re just expecting ourselves too much success doing everything like just always being on carrying all the responsibility, never taking a break, you know that your productivity equals your worth. Right. And so then we start to see this mental fatigue, this quiet resentment ⁓ and maybe maybe some some falling behind. Right. And so what we’re trying to prevent is something

Joe (05:08)
But then maybe it gets to a point and maybe it’s on ourselves where we’re just expecting ourselves too much success doing everything like just always being on carrying all the responsibility never taking a break. You know that your productivity equals your worth. Right. And so then we start to see this mental fatigue this quiet resentment ⁓ and maybe maybe some some falling behind. Right. And so what we’re trying to prevent is something

Tim (05:37)
maybe very catastrophic and dramatic, right? That can, you know, have repercussions because you’re just fed up and I’m done and I’m just walking out. Right. ⁓ you you mentioned something, you mentioned the word fatigue, right? I think of like muscles and a workout, right? So why do your muscles get bigger, stronger, right? You do the reps. you get stronger through the reps and you work them out and work them out.

Joe (05:37)
maybe very catastrophic and dramatic, right? That can, you know, have repercussions because you’re just fed up and I’m done and I’m just walking out. Right. ⁓ you you mentioned something, you mentioned the word fatigue, right? I think of like muscles and a workout, right? So why do your muscles get bigger, stronger, right? You do the reps. you get stronger through the reps and you work them out and work them out.

Tim (06:06)
What happens, you know, so even, even you’re an Olympic athlete. the, these are like, you know, Olympic caliber athletes, successful people we’re talking about, right? They have done like all the right things. But when you’re on, on, on, on, on, even Olympic athletes, you have a rest day during the week. Right? So if you continually, just all you do is fatigue the muscle. What happens? It starts to break down. starts to tear. things start happening. You’ve got to have some respite in there. Right. And I think these people, a lot of times what

Joe (06:06)
What happens, you know, so even, even you’re an Olympic athlete. the, these are like, you know, Olympic caliber athletes, successful people we’re talking about, right? They have done like all the right things. But when you’re on, on, on, on, on, even Olympic athletes, you have a rest day during the week. Right? So if you continually, just all you do is fatigue the muscle. What happens? It starts to break down. starts to tear. things start happening. You’ve got to have some respite in there. Right. And I think these people, a lot of times what

Tim (06:37)
I’ve noticed is they’re not used to that. Like how do I turn off the gas? How do I, how do I take a break? How do I take a respite? And so it’s the cabin in the woods thing. It’s like, you know, my arm hurts so bad from all the reps. I’m like, I’m just never going to lift again. Like, that’s fine. That’s interesting, you know, because I realized like when you live in this day and age, you live in America, you live in a civilized world. Like the pace is so fast all the time. Yeah. Right. And getting faster, seems like work, work takes up.

Joe (06:37)
I’ve noticed is they’re not used to that. Like how do I turn off the gas? How do I, how do I take a break? How do I take a respite? And so it’s the cabin in the woods thing. It’s like, you know, my arm hurts so bad from all the reps. I’m like, I’m just never going to lift again. Like, that’s fine. That’s interesting, you know, because I realized like when you live in this day and age, you live in America, you live in a civilized world. Like the pace is so fast all the time. Yeah. Right. And getting faster, seems like work, work takes up.

Tim (07:04)
the majority of our awake hours, right, when we’re in our career. And then there’s just so many fun things and activities and things to do. It’s just go, go, go, right? And when there are emotional issues, you know, I know that my wife and I, like, our default knee jerk reaction is go to counseling. We’ve gone to counseling, it’s great. What does counseling do? Counseling forces you to slow down. You are paying someone, you are scheduling an appointment to sit down and just talk.

Joe (07:04)
the majority of our awake hours, right, when we’re in our career. And then there’s just so many fun things and activities and things to do. It’s just go, go, go, right? And when there are emotional issues, you know, I know that my wife and I, like, our default knee jerk reaction is go to counseling. We’ve gone to counseling, it’s great. What does counseling do? Counseling forces you to slow down. You are paying someone, you are scheduling an appointment to sit down and just talk.

Tim (07:33)
about that thing. Slow down and they know what questions to ask and they just listen and it’s really healing, right? It hasn’t always been the case for us humans to have to pay someone to make us slow down. Right. Okay. And I’m not belittling counselors here. I love counselors. One of my best friends is a counselor. I go to counseling. I’m a huge advocate, right? But I almost kind of think it’s something that’s become more necessary because of the pace of life. You know,

Joe (07:33)
about that thing. Slow down and they know what questions to ask and they just listen and it’s really healing, right? It hasn’t always been the case for us humans to have to pay someone to make us slow down. Right. Okay. And I’m not belittling counselors here. I love counselors. One of my best friends is a counselor. I go to counseling. I’m a huge advocate, right? But I almost kind of think it’s something that’s become more necessary because of the pace of life. You know,

Tim (08:00)
My pastor just finished this series called on a Ramos, which is basically this concept when Jesus would go into the woods and he would just like, ⁓ what are the kids call it now? Like spawn out, like, you know what I mean? And like portal back in, like, where did you just spawn in from? Right? Jesus. But like the woods, I’ve been there for a day or two or a couple hours or I got up early, like before big things happen, certainly after big things happen, Jesus would go to the woods all the time and it was to slow down and to chill out. And they’re just like,

Joe (08:00)
My pastor just finished this series called on a Ramos, which is basically this concept when Jesus would go into the woods and he would just like, ⁓ what are the kids call it now? Like spawn out, like, you know what I mean? And like portal back in, like, where did you just spawn in from? Right? Jesus. But like the woods, I’ve been there for a day or two or a couple hours or I got up early, like before big things happen, certainly after big things happen, Jesus would go to the woods all the time and it was to slow down and to chill out. And they’re just like,

Tim (08:28)
really unpack and be present with what’s about to happen or what just happened. And I don’t think we just don’t do that. No, we are just go, go, go. We don’t give ourselves the latitude. You got to slow down like you were saying. And, know, as a man of faith, when you say like you need this break, that’s the Sabbath, right? That’s that Sunday for me. But like some day of the week, my dad, it’s a pastor, retired pastor. Sunday was not his Sabbath. Monday was OK. Like, it doesn’t matter to me the day. But even my wife’s been getting after me lately about like, hey, you can’t

Joe (08:28)
really unpack and be present with what’s about to happen or what just happened. And I don’t think we just don’t do that. No, we are just go, go, go. We don’t give ourselves the latitude. You got to slow down like you were saying. And, know, as a man of faith, when you say like you need this break, that’s the Sabbath, right? That’s that Sunday for me. But like some day of the week, my dad, it’s a pastor, retired pastor. Sunday was not his Sabbath. Monday was OK. Like, it doesn’t matter to me the day. But even my wife’s been getting after me lately about like, hey, you can’t

Tim (08:59)
check email on Sunday. I wasn’t even checking work email. It’s just checking personal email. She’s like, you just need to just have a day you don’t do email. So and so just trying to rewire. I like to start the day with a breakfast cigar. Did you know that on Sunday? Not my new thing now. My new thing is to have a breakfast cigar on Sunday and actually gave up smoking cigars for lent. So yeah, so I can only smoke a cigar on Sunday. So okay, yeah.

Joe (08:59)
check email on Sunday. I wasn’t even checking work email. It’s just checking personal email. She’s like, you just need to just have a day you don’t do email. So and so just trying to rewire. I like to start the day with a breakfast cigar. Did you know that on Sunday? Not my new thing now. My new thing is to have a breakfast cigar on Sunday and actually gave up smoking cigars for lent. So yeah, so I can only smoke a cigar on Sunday. So okay, yeah.

Tim (09:25)
That’s part of what I, and then I go for a jog probably in the afternoon. I know that it really doesn’t sound right, but you know, keeping those lungs strong. Last episode, I talked about gambling. Now I’m talking about smoking. I’m really a great, great role model around here. Well, at least you don’t have young girls that are looking up to you. No, no, no, no. That’s right. That’s right. That’s right. They, they, ⁓ yeah, we do. I three of those actually. I know. I know. I like the smell of the cigar and pipe smoke.

Joe (09:25)
That’s part of what I, and then I go for a jog probably in the afternoon. I know that it really doesn’t sound right, but you know, keeping those lungs strong. Last episode, I talked about gambling. Now I’m talking about smoking. I’m really a great, great role model around here. Well, at least you don’t have young girls that are looking up to you. No, no, no, no. That’s right. That’s right. That’s right. They, they, ⁓ yeah, we do. I three of those actually. I know. I know. I like the smell of the cigar and pipe smoke.

Tim (09:52)
Yeah, well, it’s when you catch the humidor, the portable humidor in the school backpack, then you know you got guys take it. You know, you got a problem because they’re taking your cigars. That’s That’s right. That’s right. Oh, What about you? Like, why is the Sabbath like taking that break? You know, like you were saying with the muscles, like giving it time to heal. Like, is that important to you? Well, I think it’s just because otherwise, otherwise you just get too much. The tension is too strong.

Joe (09:52)
Yeah, well, it’s when you catch the humidor, the portable humidor in the school backpack, then you know you got guys take it. You know, you got a problem because they’re taking your cigars. That’s That’s right. That’s right. Oh, What about you? Like, why is the Sabbath like taking that break? You know, like you were saying with the muscles, like giving it time to heal. Like, is that important to you? Well, I think it’s just because otherwise, otherwise you just get too much. The tension is too strong.

Tim (10:18)
And you just start to break. And I’d love to say that I’m above it all, and I’ve got this all handled, and I’ve always done that perfectly. And that is just not true. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m like, I’m so stressed out. I’ve got so much going on. There’s a ton going on at work. There’s a ton going on at home. There’s family issues that are happening, and then they all seem to collide all at one time. And I like to feel like I’ve built a pretty successful life. it’s a lot. And then,

Joe (10:18)
And you just start to break. And I’d love to say that I’m above it all, and I’ve got this all handled, and I’ve always done that perfectly. And that is just not true. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m like, I’m so stressed out. I’ve got so much going on. There’s a ton going on at work. There’s a ton going on at home. There’s family issues that are happening, and then they all seem to collide all at one time. And I like to feel like I’ve built a pretty successful life. it’s a lot. And then,

Tim (10:46)
I mean, my wife kind of forced me to do that. hey, remember, like you need to take your own medicine and you to kind of, why don’t you just give yourself a break and relax and chill out for a bit. And it wasn’t particularly email, like you said, but like, maybe you, maybe you think you have to do that and you think you have that responsibility, but maybe you don’t have that responsibility right now. Maybe you don’t, maybe you can give yourself a little bit of a break and maybe yourself a little bit of grace. It’ll still be here tomorrow. Yeah. So that’s good. That’s good.

Joe (10:46)
I mean, my wife kind of forced me to do that. hey, remember, like you need to take your own medicine and you to kind of, why don’t you just give yourself a break and relax and chill out for a bit. And it wasn’t particularly email, like you said, but like, maybe you, maybe you think you have to do that and you think you have that responsibility, but maybe you don’t have that responsibility right now. Maybe you don’t, maybe you can give yourself a little bit of a break and maybe yourself a little bit of grace. It’ll still be here tomorrow. Yeah. So that’s good. That’s good.

Tim (11:15)
All right, so let’s say you are this feeling this success burnout, feeling this success fatigue. You’ve taken our advice or maybe you’re already really great at taking a rest and slowing down and going to the woods and taking a Sabbath or whatever that means for you, but you still feel burnt out, right? So how do you know if the desire to quit is something to pursue? Well, I love the idea that you said about counseling.

Joe (11:15)
All right, so let’s say you are this feeling this success burnout, feeling this success fatigue. You’ve taken our advice or maybe you’re already really great at taking a rest and slowing down and going to the woods and taking a Sabbath or whatever that means for you, but you still feel burnt out, right? So how do you know if the desire to quit is something to pursue? Well, I love the idea that you said about counseling.

Tim (11:44)
I think that’s, I think that’s a huge kind of thing, particularly if you’re thoughtful about this decision to quit. you know, mean, if you’ve been in a career for all your, all your life and you’re getting to the end, you’re like, wow, I’m probably too young to retire and I’m too burned out to stay. So what am I going to do? And I’m really tempted to just say, hell with it. I’m just going to quit and I’ll figure it out later. I’ll just, I’ll just leave now. I’ll get another job. I’ll figure it out later. And

Joe (11:44)
I think that’s, I think that’s a huge kind of thing, particularly if you’re thoughtful about this decision to quit. you know, mean, if you’ve been in a career for all your, all your life and you’re getting to the end, you’re like, wow, I’m probably too young to retire and I’m too burned out to stay. So what am I going to do? And I’m really tempted to just say, hell with it. I’m just going to quit and I’ll figure it out later. I’ll just, I’ll just leave now. I’ll get another job. I’ll figure it out later. And

Tim (12:11)
Let’s put a pen in that. would counsel you to not put a pen in that come back to it do that without thinking about it. maybe. So let’s work on a plan to try to get you to something that would be less stressful. Maybe there’s a semi retirement. And you know, maybe you can do that earlier in life. And if your your job is just stressful, but you love it, maybe you can just do that, but less of it. Maybe there’s a part time thing, you can do a 1099 gig and sometimes

Joe (12:11)
Let’s put a pen in that. would counsel you to not put a pen in that come back to it do that without thinking about it. maybe. So let’s work on a plan to try to get you to something that would be less stressful. Maybe there’s a semi retirement. And you know, maybe you can do that earlier in life. And if your your job is just stressful, but you love it, maybe you can just do that, but less of it. Maybe there’s a part time thing, you can do a 1099 gig and sometimes

Tim (12:38)
Clients that I’ve talked to, didn’t even think about that before, like as an option. Like, no, the job is this. I’m like, well, did you ever think about approaching your boss and saying, what if the job was that? Yeah, what if it was part-time? What if it was contract? Yeah, what if there was a little bit less? What if you could do a third of what you’re doing right now? What would that look like? Because you might not need all the money right now. You could still do that. So there’s potentially options to start thinking about. I think if you are…

Joe (12:38)
Clients that I’ve talked to, didn’t even think about that before, like as an option. Like, no, the job is this. I’m like, well, did you ever think about approaching your boss and saying, what if the job was that? Yeah, what if it was part-time? What if it was contract? Yeah, what if there was a little bit less? What if you could do a third of what you’re doing right now? What would that look like? Because you might not need all the money right now. You could still do that. So there’s potentially options to start thinking about. I think if you are…

Tim (13:05)
Like how do I know if this desire to quit is something to pursue if like a break doesn’t feel like it’s enough. Like taking a break doesn’t going on a vacation slowing down on the weekends if that doesn’t feel like enough like you’re like I really really want relief. Okay. Well again the advice is to slow down and think about your options because you might have more options like you were just saying than just quitting. There could be some other options right. But I will say that life’s too short to stay in a job you hate. Life is too short. Stay in a job you don’t like.

Joe (13:05)
Like how do I know if this desire to quit is something to pursue if like a break doesn’t feel like it’s enough. Like taking a break doesn’t going on a vacation slowing down on the weekends if that doesn’t feel like enough like you’re like I really really want relief. Okay. Well again the advice is to slow down and think about your options because you might have more options like you were just saying than just quitting. There could be some other options right. But I will say that life’s too short to stay in a job you hate. Life is too short. Stay in a job you don’t like.

Tim (13:35)
I ⁓ have a client, there’s still clients here. And ⁓ when they came to hire us, I was like, I think you guys can retire now. And the wife was thrilled. She goes, he is so stressed out at work. He is on medication for what high blood pressure or hypertension. I don’t know what it was. But anyway, he retired. And the next time we met with them,

Joe (13:35)
I ⁓ have a client, there’s still clients here. And ⁓ when they came to hire us, I was like, I think you guys can retire now. And the wife was thrilled. She goes, he is so stressed out at work. He is on medication for what high blood pressure or hypertension. I don’t know what it was. But anyway, he retired. And the next time we met with them,

Tim (14:03)
He told me that he was not on that prescription anymore. I was like, isn’t that crazy? That’s how you know it’s maybe something to pursue if your job is creating so much stress that you’re medicated. That might be a reason, I think, to retire. But as much as I want it to be thoughtful, I want folks to have haste if they don’t love their job, because it’s just, it’s not worth waiting. There are a lot of other options.

Joe (14:03)
He told me that he was not on that prescription anymore. I was like, isn’t that crazy? That’s how you know it’s maybe something to pursue if your job is creating so much stress that you’re medicated. That might be a reason, I think, to retire. But as much as I want it to be thoughtful, I want folks to have haste if they don’t love their job, because it’s just, it’s not worth waiting. There are a lot of other options.

Tim (14:27)
So Joe, outside of like scorched earth and just being like, peace, show me the money, I’m out, you know, and you quit, what other options do you have? You’ve already mentioned a few of them. Yeah, I mean, I feel like, you know, could you do, could you do part-time, part-time contract work, for instance, could you say, hey, you know, I mean, I’ll be a cheaper employee for you. I’ll get off your payroll for W2 and I don’t need the benefits and all that stuff anymore. Pay me 10.99.

Joe (14:27)
So Joe, outside of like scorched earth and just being like, peace, show me the money, I’m out, you know, and you quit, what other options do you have? You’ve already mentioned a few of them. Yeah, I mean, I feel like, you know, could you do, could you do part-time, part-time contract work, for instance, could you say, hey, you know, I mean, I’ll be a cheaper employee for you. I’ll get off your payroll for W2 and I don’t need the benefits and all that stuff anymore. Pay me 10.99.

Tim (14:53)
Right. And I’ll work, you know, 20 hours a week or whatever. a game changer to go from W2 to 9-9. Because part of being W2 for the employer is that they control your time. You have to come to work between 9 and 5. This is how you do your work. But a contractor is more project based. They can get it done by the deadline. when they want to really use the tools that they want to use, you just have so much more freedom. You’re really, you know, quote unquote, an entrepreneur. You are in more control. You have more freedom of your time.

Joe (14:53)
Right. And I’ll work, you know, 20 hours a week or whatever. a game changer to go from W2 to 9-9. Because part of being W2 for the employer is that they control your time. You have to come to work between 9 and 5. This is how you do your work. But a contractor is more project based. They can get it done by the deadline. when they want to really use the tools that they want to use, you just have so much more freedom. You’re really, you know, quote unquote, an entrepreneur. You are in more control. You have more freedom of your time.

Tim (15:21)
as a 1099, even if you’re doing the same work. Yeah, I know my history back in corporate world, people would retire and their job, they were very successful and they’d gotten to a point in their career where they were really needed and valued, right? So they retired and then they turned around and they were solicited by the company like, hey, could you do this for us a little bit? And it was 1099 and they would say, you know what? I mean, I do have to pay my own taxes.

Joe (15:21)
as a 1099, even if you’re doing the same work. Yeah, I know my history back in corporate world, people would retire and their job, they were very successful and they’d gotten to a point in their career where they were really needed and valued, right? So they retired and then they turned around and they were solicited by the company like, hey, could you do this for us a little bit? And it was 1099 and they would say, you know what? I mean, I do have to pay my own taxes.

Tim (15:50)
but I make more money now than I did as a W2. remind me of another client, same thing. Retired from a company and I remember when he got, he just did a few gigs, he didn’t keep going for a while. I think his plan was fine, but he was like, well, it’s nice to be wanted and they’re offering me like $352 an hour to do this. I’m like, oh my gosh, that’s amazing. So those options are out there. I think the retirement feasibility check is a good one.

Joe (15:50)
but I make more money now than I did as a W2. remind me of another client, same thing. Retired from a company and I remember when he got, he just did a few gigs, he didn’t keep going for a while. I think his plan was fine, but he was like, well, it’s nice to be wanted and they’re offering me like $352 an hour to do this. I’m like, oh my gosh, that’s amazing. So those options are out there. I think the retirement feasibility check is a good one.

Tim (16:19)
Tell me more about that. like, do you think you can’t retire? Like, why do you think you can’t retire now? Okay, if you’re in your 20s or 30s, maybe, maybe, maybe, yeah, it’s a little too early, you know, but, ⁓ but it’s really important, I think, to sit down with an expert, you know, like a certified financial planner, for example, just a hypothetical saying, you know, like a Joe Beckford, somebody like that, ⁓ just to kind of see like, hey, what, what does this look like, you know, the financial advisor could be like, hey, if you can keep going for like another five years, you’d be good.

Joe (16:19)
Tell me more about that. like, do you think you can’t retire? Like, why do you think you can’t retire now? Okay, if you’re in your 20s or 30s, maybe, maybe, maybe, yeah, it’s a little too early, you know, but, ⁓ but it’s really important, I think, to sit down with an expert, you know, like a certified financial planner, for example, just a hypothetical saying, you know, like a Joe Beckford, somebody like that, ⁓ just to kind of see like, hey, what, what does this look like, you know, the financial advisor could be like, hey, if you can keep going for like another five years, you’d be good.

Tim (16:47)
But you don’t necessarily have to keep making the same amount of money you’re making. Just make enough to get by and let before you start taking distributions from your retirement, just let it grow and you’ll be fine. Maybe they’re like, yeah, you’re good. You reduce your expenses here and here and you’re good. Or maybe, maybe you are good and you can just take a break for a little while and you revisit work in a couple of years, you know, and kind of, because obviously your health is, is super duper important. That’s, that’s what’s important.

Joe (16:47)
But you don’t necessarily have to keep making the same amount of money you’re making. Just make enough to get by and let before you start taking distributions from your retirement, just let it grow and you’ll be fine. Maybe they’re like, yeah, you’re good. You reduce your expenses here and here and you’re good. Or maybe, maybe you are good and you can just take a break for a little while and you revisit work in a couple of years, you know, and kind of, because obviously your health is, is super duper important. That’s, that’s what’s important.

Tim (17:09)
And I think there’s other careers too. Maybe you could go part time or contract in the job you have now like you’re talking about, but maybe there’s a shift. Maybe there’s, you want to start working at a nonprofit. Maybe like you like to smoke cigars and you want to go work at the cigar shop, the cigar lounge, just as a asking hypothetical, asking for a friend type situation. But you know, that might be something, might be something you want to just completely shift to some lower responsibility, you know.

Joe (17:09)
And I think there’s other careers too. Maybe you could go part time or contract in the job you have now like you’re talking about, but maybe there’s a shift. Maybe there’s, you want to start working at a nonprofit. Maybe like you like to smoke cigars and you want to go work at the cigar shop, the cigar lounge, just as a asking hypothetical, asking for a friend type situation. But you know, that might be something, might be something you want to just completely shift to some lower responsibility, you know.

Tim (17:36)
My wife used to love she actually worked on grounds crew at college and she would jump on the zero turn radius mowers and just go mow the fields and she just she’s like I’d I’d do that in a heartbeat, know Yeah, just lock in the podcast and just go and mow the mow the big field. Yeah, no stress Yeah, just just something to bring in a little bit and yeah, leave you alone with your thoughts and stuff like that So I’ll tell you one more client story Justin told me told me about this and so to protect

Joe (17:36)
My wife used to love she actually worked on grounds crew at college and she would jump on the zero turn radius mowers and just go mow the fields and she just she’s like I’d I’d do that in a heartbeat, know Yeah, just lock in the podcast and just go and mow the mow the big field. Yeah, no stress Yeah, just just something to bring in a little bit and yeah, leave you alone with your thoughts and stuff like that So I’ll tell you one more client story Justin told me told me about this and so to protect

Tim (18:04)
protect the innocent here, we’re gonna call the name of this client Burnout Bob. So Burnout Bob. But what’s unique about Burnout Bob and is why they’re in their mid 40s. They are hustlers and they have been hustling for a long time. They literally have amassed multiple millions of dollars, successful career, but definitely like the success fatigue is feeling super burned out. And so we’re like, know, stepping back feels scary, right?

Joe (18:04)
protect the innocent here, we’re gonna call the name of this client Burnout Bob. So Burnout Bob. But what’s unique about Burnout Bob and is why they’re in their mid 40s. They are hustlers and they have been hustling for a long time. They literally have amassed multiple millions of dollars, successful career, but definitely like the success fatigue is feeling super burned out. And so we’re like, know, stepping back feels scary, right?

Tim (18:33)
So much success, a lot of identity, built wealth, maybe a lot of that wealth is tied to company stock. ⁓ But what’s really cool is that our team has worked with them and built a plan that gives them the option for a sabbatical. know, ministry and academia does not need the corner of the market on sabbaticals. It’s okay in the marketplace to take a sabbatical. And if your employer doesn’t offer it, you just self-select to a sabbatical. But if you’ve got…

Joe (18:33)
So much success, a lot of identity, built wealth, maybe a lot of that wealth is tied to company stock. ⁓ But what’s really cool is that our team has worked with them and built a plan that gives them the option for a sabbatical. know, ministry and academia does not need the corner of the market on sabbaticals. It’s okay in the marketplace to take a sabbatical. And if your employer doesn’t offer it, you just self-select to a sabbatical. But if you’ve got…

Tim (19:00)
a great retirement plan and you got the confidence around that that that that money is there to take that time off. Maybe you go back or to kind of do something more part time or semi retirement like you talked about. So I think what’s really important is to realize that you do have options. We bring this up a lot. A lot of people are afraid to quit their job or do something part time or contract because of the health insurance. for sure. hear that. That’s all I get that that is just a broken record for us. But just know for listeners that there are options. There are good ones. There are options beyond

Joe (19:00)
a great retirement plan and you got the confidence around that that that that money is there to take that time off. Maybe you go back or to kind of do something more part time or semi retirement like you talked about. So I think what’s really important is to realize that you do have options. We bring this up a lot. A lot of people are afraid to quit their job or do something part time or contract because of the health insurance. for sure. hear that. That’s all I get that that is just a broken record for us. But just know for listeners that there are options. There are good ones. There are options beyond

Tim (19:30)
what your employer has been providing. So don’t let that be the only thing that prevents you from being happy, is what I want people to here or there. And then what’s cool is too, when they’re not working and there’s different things they can do about their tax strategy. So they’re doing a lot of long-term tax planning strategies and taking advantage of semi-retirement or sabbatical where your income just dropped, there’s sometimes some interesting things you can do to save some taxes over your lifetime. So we’re not just saying, ⁓

Joe (19:30)
what your employer has been providing. So don’t let that be the only thing that prevents you from being happy, is what I want people to here or there. And then what’s cool is too, when they’re not working and there’s different things they can do about their tax strategy. So they’re doing a lot of long-term tax planning strategies and taking advantage of semi-retirement or sabbatical where your income just dropped, there’s sometimes some interesting things you can do to save some taxes over your lifetime. So we’re not just saying, ⁓

Tim (19:56)
it’s fine, you’ve got the money, retire. We’re also like, hey, we’re gonna take advantage of as we look into the future for your plan, how to reduce your tax burden. So that’s pretty cool. so. All right, Joe, as we sign off, any last words to the ⁓ successful burnout fatigue feeling person? I think I would say I completely understand that feeling. I get that. I guess my… If I could give any advice at all, would just be…

Joe (19:56)
it’s fine, you’ve got the money, retire. We’re also like, hey, we’re gonna take advantage of as we look into the future for your plan, how to reduce your tax burden. So that’s pretty cool. so. All right, Joe, as we sign off, any last words to the ⁓ successful burnout fatigue feeling person? I think I would say I completely understand that feeling. I get that. I guess my… If I could give any advice at all, would just be…

Tim (20:26)
Just don’t flippantly let yourself get to the point where all you can feel is just pull the rip cord and just stop and quit your job tomorrow and like I can’t take it anymore. So don’t let it get that bad. If you find yourself getting stressed and getting stressed and getting stressed, find an outlet. some meditation. Find some exercise. Find.

Joe (20:26)
Just don’t flippantly let yourself get to the point where all you can feel is just pull the rip cord and just stop and quit your job tomorrow and like I can’t take it anymore. So don’t let it get that bad. If you find yourself getting stressed and getting stressed and getting stressed, find an outlet. some meditation. Find some exercise. Find.

Tim (20:53)
some sort of hobby that you like kind of thing that help just relief some of the stress. Make sure that you are taking a Sabbath and you know, take a day a week where you’re not on on on on on all the time at a Tim’s point, you know, take a take a long vacation, give yourself a little sabbatical. If you can do that bank a few weeks together. And if that’s not enough, then get with your advisor, whoever you trust and say, hmm, I think I need to make a change in my life. What does this look like? But do it thoughtfully before you just, you know, jump off a cliff that

Joe (20:53)
some sort of hobby that you like kind of thing that help just relief some of the stress. Make sure that you are taking a Sabbath and you know, take a day a week where you’re not on on on on on all the time at a Tim’s point, you know, take a take a long vacation, give yourself a little sabbatical. If you can do that bank a few weeks together. And if that’s not enough, then get with your advisor, whoever you trust and say, hmm, I think I need to make a change in my life. What does this look like? But do it thoughtfully before you just, you know, jump off a cliff that

Tim (21:22)
It’s really hard to come back from. Yeah, for sure. For sure. Well, that’s great. That’s really great. If you’re listening and you want you’re starting to kind of think maybe I am that successful burnout person, go to our website and check out the retirement planning page. So if you go to good investment, I can click on services, there’s gonna be a drop down for retirement planning. Just read through that page and see if any of that resonates with you. If any of that would be helpful. There’s plenty of tools on the website. Obviously, if you’re ready to start a conversation.

Joe (21:22)
It’s really hard to come back from. Yeah, for sure. For sure. Well, that’s great. That’s really great. If you’re listening and you want you’re starting to kind of think maybe I am that successful burnout person, go to our website and check out the retirement planning page. So if you go to good investment, I can click on services, there’s gonna be a drop down for retirement planning. Just read through that page and see if any of that resonates with you. If any of that would be helpful. There’s plenty of tools on the website. Obviously, if you’re ready to start a conversation.

Tim (21:51)
We would love to hear from you. So Joe, like we love to do, signing off with gratitude. What are you grateful for today? I am grateful to not be in the place where I’m successful but burned out. Yeah, yeah, that’s awesome. That’s awesome. Yeah, yeah, it is a great. It’s a great gig here being a financial advisor. We love it. It’s not too bad. Yeah, it’s not too bad. ⁓

Joe (21:51)
We would love to hear from you. So Joe, like we love to do, signing off with gratitude. What are you grateful for today? I am grateful to not be in the place where I’m successful but burned out. Yeah, yeah, that’s awesome. That’s awesome. Yeah, yeah, it is a great. It’s a great gig here being a financial advisor. We love it. It’s not too bad. Yeah, it’s not too bad. ⁓

Tim (22:16)
I’m just going to come back to my earlier story that I shared about PIP. And even though PIP can be little frustrating and animals can be a little challenging, I’m grateful for little animals I have on our little farm. think it’s cool to be responsible for them and to make sure they’re safe and whatever. So I don’t know that I’ll always enjoy it. And I don’t know that we’ll always have all the animals we have. But it’s pretty cool. My kids enjoy it. It’s good responsibility. They all have different jobs around the farm to help take care of it. So I like to think it’s building character.

Joe (22:16)
I’m just going to come back to my earlier story that I shared about PIP. And even though PIP can be little frustrating and animals can be a little challenging, I’m grateful for little animals I have on our little farm. think it’s cool to be responsible for them and to make sure they’re safe and whatever. So I don’t know that I’ll always enjoy it. And I don’t know that we’ll always have all the animals we have. But it’s pretty cool. My kids enjoy it. It’s good responsibility. They all have different jobs around the farm to help take care of it. So I like to think it’s building character.

Tim (22:46)
But ⁓ you know, we get eggs from the chickens. So they’re the only ones that are really paying rent around here. But the other ones I guess are just for fun. So grateful for that. Sweet. All right. Thanks for listening. Bye. Have a great day.

Joe (22:46)
But ⁓ you know, we get eggs from the chickens. So they’re the only ones that are really paying rent around here. But the other ones I guess are just for fun. So grateful for that. Sweet. All right. Thanks for listening. Bye. Have a great day.

The Money PIG podcast is hosted by Reid Trego. Goodwin Investment Advisory is a Registered Investment Advisory firm regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with securities laws and regulations. Goodwin Investment Advisory does not render or offer to render personalized investment or tax advice through the Money PIG podcast. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment or legal advice.

For personalized financial guidance, schedule an schedule an intro call with our team at Goodwin Investment Advisory in Canton, GA . Our CFP® professionals can provide advice and help you navigate how to invest your wealth and plan for your retirement. We’d love to help you live out your legacy!

Goodwin Investment Advisory is a Registered Investment Advisory firm regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with securities laws and regulations. Goodwin Investment Advisory does not render or offer to render personalized investment or tax advice through the Money PIG podcast. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment or legal advice.