Girlboss Burnout: Why We’re Over ‘Having It All’

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CAREER + MONEY

Girlboss Burnout: Why We’re Over ‘Having It All’

Once upon a time, the girlboss era promised empowerment through ambition, hustle, and having it all. But after years of burnout, exhaustion, and the realisation that “doing it all” often means doing too much, women are calling time on the grind.

BY HARRIET ISHBEL SWEENEY / 10 MARCH 2025

BY HARRIET ISHBEL SWEENEY / 10 MARCH 2024

Photo Credit:Fashionverse

We’ve all heard it. The endless buzzword: Girlboss. The woman who does it all—work, friendships, fitness, fun, and, of course, an Instagram feed that looks like it’s been curated by a personal stylist, a professional photographer, and an algorithm designed to make you feel bad about your own life choices.

But the ‘Girlboss’ fantasy is getting old. And honestly, we’re over it. Girlboss burnout is a thing, and it’s time we unpack it. Why? Because there’s only so much you can do when you’re expected to be the CEO of your own life and still keep your mental health, well-being, and relationships intact. Spoiler: It’s not sustainable.

the rise of the girlboss

Let’s take a step back. The Girlboss term was coined by Sophia Amoruso in 2014 with the release of her book #GIRLBOSS. It was catchy. It was empowering. It promised that women could have it all: successful careers, side hustles, personal growth, and a perfectly curated life. Women everywhere jumped on the bandwagon, thinking they could balance it all.

Fast forward to today, and that idea of having it all—that myth of being a successful, flawless superwoman—has left a lot of us feeling, well, burned out. And here's why: it’s exhausting to try to be everything to everyone.

the problem with ‘having it all’

The problem isn’t necessarily with ambition. It’s with the expectation that you have to be successful in every area of your life all the time. Here’s a reality check: No one has it all together. No one is perfect, and no one has a 100% flawless Instagram feed that reflects their true, lived-in life.

The idea that you need to be a high-powered CEO, a supermum (or “super-dog-mum” for those who don’t have children), a wellness guru, and an influencer in order to prove your worth is, quite frankly, a societal trap. It’s no surprise that burnout is at an all-time high, especially among women who’ve been sold the idea that success only comes from being “busy” and doing everything.

Photo Credit: M

why ‘doing it all’ doesn’t work (and why we’re over it)

1. It’s an impossible standard.

No one can be on top of their game in every single aspect of life. The pressure to do so leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and a feeling of never being enough. You can’t be your best self if you’re constantly comparing yourself to an ideal that doesn’t exist.

2. Mental health suffers.

We’re not robots. Our brains need downtime, creativity, and space to recharge. Constantly chasing after the next big thing—be it in your career or your personal life—leaves little room for self-care. Guess what? You can’t pour from an empty cup. Your mental health and emotional well-being are not optional.

3. Relationships get neglected.

When you’re spending every waking moment trying to do everything, there’s barely any time left for meaningful connections. Whether it’s time with your partner, friends, or even yourself, relationships can take a backseat when you’re caught in the hustle culture. That’s not the way to thrive.

4. You’re always ‘on’.

The pressure to be constantly active, constantly productive, constantly doing more, means you’re never really off. Work emails, social media updates, fitness goals, social engagements—there’s always something. It’s like you’re running a marathon that never ends.

5. Success is defined by external validation.

The “Girlboss” ethos teaches that success comes from external sources: promotions, followers, likes, and approval from others. But true success is about internal satisfaction. What makes you feel fulfilled? Not everyone’s definition of success should look the same.

Photo Credit:Fashionverse

rewriting the rulebook: doing it your way

So, how do we move away from this burnout-inducing ‘Girlboss’ mentality and find a more sustainable path? It’s time to rewrite the rulebook. Here’s how:

1. Embrace Imperfection.

There is no such thing as perfect, and that’s okay. In fact, embracing your imperfections makes you real. Ditch the comparison game and accept that some days, you’ll just survive, not thrive. And that’s fine.

2. Prioritise What Matters Most.

It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of responsibilities and obligations. Start prioritising what really matters—your mental health, your loved ones, and your passions. Sometimes, it’s okay to say no to a project or cancel plans in order to rest. You are not a robot, and your worth isn’t measured by how much you can do.

3. Redefine Success.

Success isn’t just about work or productivity. It’s about finding joy, peace, and satisfaction in your life. It’s about doing what feels right for you, not what society tells you should feel right. Focus on balance—career success, yes, but also personal growth, time with loved ones, and moments of rest.

4. Let Go of Perfectionism.

We’re all guilty of trying to live up to the image of the “perfect” woman—polished, poised, and putting on a happy face at all times. But perfection is an illusion. Life is messy. So, let yourself be messy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take breaks, or let things slide.

5. Celebrate Rest.

Rest isn’t laziness. It’s necessary. You don’t have to be “on” 24/7 to prove your worth. The Girlboss model glorified hustle culture, but the real secret to longevity is balance. Make time for naps, yoga, long walks, or simply zoning out for a bit—without feeling guilty about it.

Photo Credit: M

In an ideal world, your work would exist alongside your personal life, not instead of it. If your job is constantly spilling over into your evenings and weekends, and you find yourself working through your lunch breaks or ignoring family time, you might need to rethink things.

Work-life balance isn’t just about taking vacations—it’s about setting boundaries. If you’ve neglected your well-being for too long and your personal life is in jeopardy, you have to ask yourself: Is this career worth the sacrifice?

the future is about balance, not ‘having it all’

We’re living in a time where the old notion of having it all is becoming a thing of the past. The new wave of wellness is all about creating a life that aligns with your values—without the need for constant hustle or perfection. In fact, burnout is starting to be recognised as a serious issue, and we’re beginning to reclaim our right to rest, reset, and enjoy life on our own terms.

The Girlboss movement wasn’t all bad. It did inspire many women to take charge of their lives, start businesses, and break boundaries. But it’s time for the next chapter. It’s time to stop trying to do it all, and instead, focus on doing what feels right—in a way that’s sustainable and kind to yourself. Because, guess what? You don’t have to be everything to everyone. You just have to be yourself.

So here’s the new motto: No more burnout, no more pressure. We’re just here, doing our best.

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