Burnout hits hard. One day you’re powering through endless tasks, and the next you can’t even open your laptop without feeling dread.

If you’re at the point where you’re ready to quit your job and scream “I’m done,” pause for a second.

Before you hand in that resignation letter, there are a few moves you should make first.

Here are 5 things to do if you’re burned out AF:

1. Get brutally honest about your money

Quitting feels empowering until bills show up.

Pull out your bank statements, add up your savings, and figure out how long you could realistically live without a paycheck.

Even if the answer sucks, knowing your numbers will calm some of that panic and help you make smarter moves.

2. Take a mental health day — no guilt attached

If you’ve been running on empty, call in sick or use PTO. Resting is not laziness; it’s survival.

Sleep in, go outside, binge Netflix, or do absolutely nothing. Sometimes one day of breathing space can remind you what balance feels like.

3. Test-drive a side hustle or freelance gig

Burnout often comes from feeling trapped. Even picking up one client or launching a tiny side hustle can remind you that you have options.

Plus, a little extra income never hurts if you’re plotting an exit strategy.

4. Vent — but to the right people

Complaining to toxic coworkers won’t help. Instead, confide in friends who get it, a mentor, or even journal it out.

Processing your feelings in a healthy space helps you see whether you’re ready to quit—or just desperate for change.

5. Ask yourself: is it the job or the system?

Sometimes it’s not the company—it’s the 9-to-5 grind itself.

Gen Z and Millennials especially are waking up to the fact that rigid schedules, low pay, and toxic bosses just aren’t worth it.

If you crave flexibility, remote work, or being your own boss, it may be time to design a career that fits your life — not the other way around.

Burnout is your body and soul screaming for change. Whether that means quitting, pivoting careers, or simply setting boundaries, the important thing is listening to yourself.