In this episode of Back after Burnout, we tackle one of the most challenging questions facing professionals recovering from burnout: should I stay in my current role or move on? Karina Schneider breaks down the decision-making process beyond simple pros and cons lists, offering a thoughtful framework to help you make choices aligned with your values and wellbeing.

Key points covered:

• Why traditional pros/cons lists often fail for complex decisions
• A six-step framework for making thoughtful career decisions post-burnout
• How to incorporate your values and non-negotiables into your decision process
• The importance of "living as if" to test potential paths
• Using discernment techniques that engage more than just rational thinking

Resources mentioned:

• "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
• "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr
• "The Anatomy of a Good Decision" by Mark Shrime, surgeon and Harvard Medical School lecturer

Whether you're considering adjustments to your current role, exploring new opportunities, or contemplating a complete career pivot, this episode provides practical guidance for making decisions that honor your recovery and support sustainable wellbeing.

Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest.

Mentioned in this episode:

A SwissCast Network Production

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In this episode, we are joined by Emma Saccomani and together we cover a lot of ground on the hairy topic of boundaries. Whether you have gone through burnout or not, setting boundaries is a crucial life skill and a muscle we need to continue to build so we can stay healthy and productive as we navigate the messy reality of modern day life.

Connect with Emma

emmasaccomani.com

emma@emmasaccomani.com

Emma Saccomani | LinkedIn

Get notified about her book – A Boundaries Toolkit for Messy Reality

Emma’s Recommendations:

This Book Could Help by Rotimi Akinsete

How to be a Human by Ruby Wax

Digital Wellbeing by Petra Velzeboer

Artificial Intimacy by Esther Perel - Podcast

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

05:09 Understanding and Communicating Boundaries

09:20 The Messy Reality of Boundaries

18:43 Practicing Boundaries in Low-Stake Situations

20:58 Role Modeling Healthy Boundaries

22:05 Understanding Different Types of Boundaries

24:58 Boundaries in the Workplace

28:46 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest.

That first conversation with your manager after a mental health absence can feel like a test you didn’t study for. In this episode, reintegration coach Karina Schneider shows you how to replace panic with a plan. You’ll learn practical workplace communication tips for preparing for return to work, what to say (and what you don’t have to say), and how to frame requests so they support both workplace mental health and business needs. Karina walks through six focus areas: appreciation, status, needs, check-in rhythm, your manager’s concerns, and team communication, so you can practice self advocacy at work, manage expectations, and start building trust with your manager. You’ll also hear Johann’s story of moving from fear to clarity, proving that returning to work after burnout is easier when you have a script, a structure, and your rights in mind.

This episode is a calm, step-by-step guide for managing burnout in real time: how to discuss job performance after burnout, request adjustments, and co-design strategies for returning to work that protect your energy and help you keep managing job responsibilities without derailing your burnout recovery. It’s about communicating with your employer in a way that supports productivity and mental health support in the workplace.

• Plan beats panic. Go in with your goals, not just theirs; preparation lowers coping with work stress in the moment.
• Lead with appreciation. A warm opener sets a collaborative tone for the conversation with your manager.
• Share status, protect privacy. You control your health details; remember your employee rights after burnout.
• Ask for what you need. Frame phased hours, appointment flexibility, or task adjustments as ways to restore job performance after burnout.
• Set a check-in rhythm. Regular touchpoints help with managing workplace expectations and prevent surprises.
• Surface their concerns. Invite questions to understand resourcing pressures while maintaining self advocacy at work.
• Own the team message. Agree on how your returning to work after burnout is communicated; scope, hours, and current priorities.
• Trust builds through clarity. Clear requests + realistic commitments = supporting mental health at work without overpromising.

Follow Back After Burnout for weekly guidance on preparing for return to work and evidence-based tactics that make supporting mental health at work part of how you lead your career.

Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest.