7. Field Notes, Episodes 1-6

What do burnout, bias, and boundaries have in common? They’re not just buzzwords—they’re the building blocks of what’s broken (and what’s possible) at work.

In this episode, host Ellen Whitlock Baker reflects on the first six episodes of Hard at Work and unpacks the biggest themes that keep surfacing—from navigating systemic bias and invisible labor to learning how to say no before you collapse.

Whether you’ve been with the show since day one or you’re just tuning in, this is a powerful moment to pause, connect the dots, and figure out what it all means for you.

Ellen also shares a free resource you can use right now: the Boundaries at Work Toolkit—a downloadable PDF packed with scripts, email templates, and a two-week energy tracker to help you set and sustain boundaries that protect your time and your well-being.

This is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself, start listening to your body, and take one small step toward a better way of working.
Keywords: burnout recovery, workplace boundaries, emotional labor, toxic workplace culture, invisible labor at work, boundary scripts, women in leadership, work-life balance, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence at work, inclusive workplace, professional development for women, resilience at work