The road to six figures after quitting my job (my honest experience) | Ep 32

The Week I Realized My Burnout Wasn’t “Just a Busy Season” | S2E7

Lauren shares her personal journey through burnout in January 2026, the importance of listening to your body, and practical strategies for managing stress and workload as a working professional. She also shares a quick AI tip to simplify your workload at the end. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to set a boundary. Keywords: burnout, self-care, entrepreneurship, productivity, mental health, delegation, AI tools, work-life balance Key Topics * Burnout as a sign to pause and reflect * The importance of self-care and boundary setting * Delegating tasks and outsourcing for growth * Using AI tools to simplify work tasks * Lessons from personal experiences with burnout Takeaways * Burnout is often mistaken for a busy season but requires attention * Listening to your body and mind is crucial for sustainability * Delegating tasks that drain your energy can free up mental space * AI tools can help simplify and delegate tedious tasks * Taking time off can lead to renewed creativity and energy Sound Bites * "I felt like I failed, but it was a lesson." * "Saying no is a boundary that protects your energy." Chapters 01:38 The realization: burnout isn't just a busy season 03:11 January 2026: a month of intense activity and burnout 07:37 The breaking point: acknowledging failure 09:51 Recognizing burnout and the need for a break 12:18 Lessons learned: saying no and listening to your body 13:55 The importance of outsourcing and delegation 15:08 Helping people avoid burnout 15:55 Practical advice: say no and delegate using AI If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ [https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter] Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ [hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com] IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod] Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact [https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact] Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy [https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy] More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj [https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj]

The Quarter-Life Job Crisis: How She Decided to Start Over at 27 | S2E6

Katie Thompson shares her journey from a government consultant facing burnout to a full-time creative entrepreneur. She discusses the signs that prompted her to leave her 9-to-5, the logistics of making the leap, and how she aligns her work with her core values of authenticity and community. She also leaves great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Keywords: career transition, entrepreneurship, burnout, financial planning, authenticity, community, side hustle, creative career, mental health, work-life balance Key Topics * Signs of burnout and mental health awareness * Logistical steps for quitting a job responsibly * Aligning work with personal values and authenticity * Building savings and side income before quitting * Handling family and boss reactions to career change * Work-life balance as a full-time creator Takeaways * A lot of the burnout Katie experienced came from the misalignment between her 9-to-5 and her own goals * Katie started growing her affiliate income as a blogger to build up her savings before leaving her consulting job * Navigating family reactions can be tough when quitting your 9-to-5 * Work-life balance as an entrepreneur looks different for everyone * Having the mindset that “everything is figureoutable” will help you thrive as an entrepreneur * Katie’s biggest advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to breathe, take time to figure it out (rather than impulsively quitting your job), and give yourself space to feel all the emotions Sound Bites * "I had a breakdown in the middle of the workday." * "Everything on paper looks perfect, but my mind said no." Chapters 03:23 The Breaking Point: Realizing the Need for Change 06:08 Understanding Burnout and Misalignment 07:30 The Quarter-Life Crisis: A Turning Point 14:57 Preparing for the Leap: Logistics and Finances 22:24 The Unseen Challenges of Quitting a 9-to-5 31:10 Handling the “I’m Leaving” Conversation with Your Boss 35:34 Aligning Work with Personal Values 38:22 Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur 42:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ [https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter] Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ [hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com] IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod] Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact [https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact] Connect with Katie: Website: https://pinkchickadee.com/ [https://pinkchickadee.com/]  IG: https://www.instagram.com/_thepinkchickadee/ [https://www.instagram.com/_thepinkchickadee/]  Thank you to our partners this week: Cozy Earth: Get 21% off bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more with code TRUTH at https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy [https://promocode.to/cozy-earth/truth-4zy] More Labs: Get 25% off clinically proven recovery energy drinks with code NAKED at https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj [https://promocode.to/more-labs/naked-tjj]

Unpacking Your Emotional Baggage: How Trauma Shows Up in Dating, Work, & Friendships | S2E5

In this episode, Michelle Nosrati, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma and EMDR therapy, shares insights on trauma, healing, and how subconscious patterns influence our adult relationships and self-perception. Discover practical tools and deep understanding to support your healing journey. Keywords: trauma, EMDR, self-healing, relationships, mental health, therapy, emotional wounds, trauma-informed care Key Topics * Trauma and its types (Big T and Little T) * EMDR therapy * How childhood experiences shape adult relationships * The role of the nervous system in trauma responses * Self-sabotage and social media comparison * Healing from emotional neglect and abuse * The importance of listening to your gut * Building genuine connections as an adult Sound Bites * "Trauma is often unhealed wounds from the past." * "Constant striving can be a trauma response." * "Listen to your gut — it’s your inner wisdom." Chapters 04:08: Michelle’s High and Low of the Week 07:30 Michelle's Journey to Becoming a Therapist 12:15 Imposter Syndrome and Its Roots 17:04 The Definition of EMDR Therapy 22:37 The Power of EMDR Therapy 26:36 Understanding Trauma: Big T vs. Little T 31:20 The Impact of Trauma on Romantic Relationships 39:12 Navigating Adult Friendships and Connections 43:43 Listening to Your Gut: Finding Purpose and Peace If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: ⁠https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ [https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter] Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ [hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com] IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod] Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact [https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact] Connect with Michelle: Website: https://www.myemdrla.com/ [https://www.myemdrla.com/]  IG: https://www.instagram.com/myemdrla/ [https://www.instagram.com/myemdrla/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myemdrla [https://www.tiktok.com/@myemdrla]

The No-Regrets Rule: How to Stop Overthinking & Start Living the Life You Actually Want | S2E4

In this episode, Lauren explores how to stop overthinking and start living intentionally by applying the 'no regrets' rule. She shares personal stories about making bold decisions, creating actionable vision boards, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. She leaves us with 1 small practical action for the week to cut through overthinking. Keywords: overthinking, no regrets rule, vision board, personal growth, decision making, digital nomad, self-improvement, goal setting, resilience, life regrets Key Topics * The 'no regrets' decision rule * Using vision boards for goal setting * Personal stories of taking bold actions * The importance of discomfort in growth * Building resilience through challenges Takeaways * The top 3 life regrets are missed opportunities for education, not taking career risks, and not expressing feelings. * The 'no regrets' rule helps cut through fear and overthinking, enabling bold decisions. * Creating specific, detailed goals on vision boards facilitates real-life action. * Discomfort is a teacher and essential for growth. * Community support and resilience are crucial in navigating life's challenges. Sound Bites * “People most often regret what they didn't do" * "Discomfort is the teacher" Chapters 02:10 Creating a Vision Board for Action 03:42 The Power of the No Regrets Decision Rule 07:16 Navigating the Digital Nomad Experience 11:59 Pushing Beyond Your Comfort Zone 13:50 Taking Action on Overthinking If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ [https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter] Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ [hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com] IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod] Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact [https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact]

Dating Burnout, Ghosting & Finally Learning Her Non-Negotiables | S2E3

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the topic of dating with a college friend, Caroline. Caroline is back for season 2, and this time she shares her journey from dating burnout and toxic relationships to finding a healthy, fulfilling partnership. She discusses her non-negotiables, lessons learned, and practical advice for navigating the messy world of dating in your 20s and beyond.  Keywords: dating, relationships, self-growth, mental health, non-negotiables, healthy relationships, dating burnout, manifestation, self-awareness, personal development Key Topics * Dating burnout and ghosting * Recognizing red flags in relationships * Self-awareness and therapy's role in dating * Non-negotiables for healthy relationships * Nervous system regulation in love * Manifestation and attracting the right partner Takeaways * You can't rely on hope alone; effort and self-work are essential. * Recognize red flags early, like inconsistent communication. * Therapy helps identify and articulate your non-negotiables. * Healthy relationships require effort from both partners. * Manifestation works when combined with action and self-improvement. Sound Bites * "I started feeling burnt out from dating." * "I manifested my current partner." Chapters 03:11 High and low of the week: family moments and work stress 06:10 First cringe memories: ghosting and immature communication 09:55 Dating in college and OG Tinder days 16:15 Longer-term relationships in college and after 17:26 Red flags ignored in past relationships 25:59 Realizing burnout and the need for change 29:25 Manifestation story: meeting her current partner 35:50 Non-negotiables in a healthy relationship 42:27 Advice to younger self: patience and self-awareness If you know someone who could benefit from listening to this episode, please share it with them. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, rating, reviewing, and/or commenting on your favorite platform. Thank you! 🙂 Newsletter: https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter⁠ [https://thenakedtruthwithlauren.kit.com/newsletter] Email: ⁠hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com⁠ [hello@thenakedtruthwithlauren.com] IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenakedtruth.pod] Contact Us: ⁠https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact [https://www.thenakedtruthwithlauren.com/contact]