High performer on the outside. Running on fumes inside?

Quiet burnout is real, and it's costing you more than you think.

You're still getting results. You're still showing up.

But lately? You feel off. Maybe flat, irritable, or disconnected from work that used to light you up.

 This is quiet burnout: the slow, hidden erosion of motivation and well-being. Unlike classic burnout, which ends in total collapse, quiet burnout simmers quietly beneath the surface, especially among high performers in mission-driven professions such as medicine and law.

 At Merity, we see it all the time. People who appear to be thriving but are secretly running on empty. Here's how to spot it, stop it, and protect your momentum.

What is Quiet Burnout?

Quiet burnout doesn't look dramatic. You're still meeting deadlines, still showing up to meetings, but something's shifted.

Common signs:

• You feel emotionally drained or numb
• Work feels harder than it should
• You snap at coworkers or clients more often
• You're less engaged but pushing harder to compensate

Quiet burnout often goes unaddressed because people assume "this is just how it is." But here's the thing: it's not. 

Why it's so common right now

Today's work culture rewards stamina, not sustainability. Especially in medicine and law, there's pressure to appear unfazed while juggling long hours, emotional labor, and high-stakes decisions. Quiet burnout is especially common among:

• Mid-career professionals in leadership roles
• Women balancing invisible labor at home and at work
• Professionals who tie self-worth to performance 

What it's costing you

When quiet burnout goes unchecked, it takes a toll on your:

• Creativity and strategic thinking
• Patience and communication skills
• Relationships with peers, teams, and clients
• Confidence in your ability to grow and lead

Eventually, it can lead to disengagement, career detours, or even health issues. 

How to break the cycle

You don't need to quit your job to recover. But you do need to interrupt the pattern. Try this:

• Name it. Quiet burnout thrives on denial.
• Reclaim small wins. Set one boundary. Say no once. Choose rest once.
• Reflect weekly. What's draining you? What's energizing you?

You don't need a full reset. You need a smart, supported recalibration.