When Burnout Is the Beginning

“So much of street psychiatry is about the longitudinal nature of people’s hopes and dreams — coming to understand them over time.” What if burnout and career overwhelm aren’t signs of failure—but the starting point for deeper purpose and meaningful work? In this Sh*t Pile episode of A Life Worth Working, Dr. Katie Koh, a street psychiatrist, reflects on the early years of her career when meaningful work collided with burnout, role overload, and the pressure to “do it all.” Katie’s story offers a powerful lens on physician burnout, career sustainability, and nonlinear professional growth—especially in mission-driven fields like healthcare and mental health. Katie shares how learning to slow down, rethink productivity, and embrace relationship-based care transformed both her work life and her sense of calling. "I still feel like I'm learning every day. I'm still undoing what I was taught in residency and having to think about it in a different way." Katie’s story is a compelling reminder that sometimes the messiest seasons of work become the compost for a more sustainable, human-centered vocation. 🎧 Don’t miss this Shit Pile episode of A Life Worth Working…. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michelleweise.substack.com