What to Do When Your Senior Role Feels Totally Unsustainable

What to Do When Your Senior Role Feels Totally Unsustainable

January 21, 2026

A businessman in a suit sits on stone steps, looking stressed and thoughtful outdoors.
Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Pexels

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Illustration by Iryna Korshak

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Summary.   

Leslie*, an ambitious biotech CTO, stepped into her role brimming with excitement. She was ready to modernize core systems and supercharge her company’s research capabilities. But 18 months later, after nonstop firefighting and pressure to deliver transformation faster than the organization could absorb it, she confided to her coach (Darcy) that instead of feeling triumphant, she was considering giving up on the work and retiring early.

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Read more on Burnout or related topics Wellness, Stress management, Health and wellness, Managing yourself, Careers and Career planning

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AdvertisementDon't Outlive Your Benefits — Long-Term Care insurance with unlimited LTC funds for as long as you live. Call 1-800-317-0625
AdvertisementDon't Outlive Your Benefits — Long-Term Care insurance with unlimited LTC funds for as long as you live. Call 1-800-317-0625