How to survive burnout in tech and UX (Yvonne Xiao)

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Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a reality for many of us working in UX and tech. The long hours, the shifting priorities, the constant pressure to prove our value… it all adds up. And if you’re not careful, it can take a serious toll.

Yvonne Xiao has been there. She’s worked at companies like Microsoft and Uber, navigating the highs and lows of content design in fast-paced environments. But instead of letting burnout define her career, she’s figured out how to manage it—by setting boundaries, redefining success, and embracing a more sustainable approach to work.

In this episode, we talk about how to recognize burnout before it’s too late, the mistakes we all make when trying to "push through," and why setting boundaries isn’t just about saying no—it’s about knowing your worth.

If you’ve ever felt drained by your work or wondered how to make content design (or any job in tech) actually sustainable, this one’s for you.

What we talked about:

• How Yvonne transitioned from film school to content design
• The early signs of burnout and how to recognize them in yourself
• The biggest mistakes content designers make when trying to manage burnout
• Why setting boundaries is hard—but necessary—for long-term career success
• How imposter syndrome fuels burnout (and how to reframe it)
• The importance of community, mentorship, and knowing you’re not alone
• How to build a career in UX without letting it consume your identity

Notable Quotes:

“Your self-worth isn’t tied to your job. You’re so much more than the work you do.” 
“The cringe factor is real, but you just have to post it. Nobody’s going to remember it tomorrow.” 
“Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s layers of ignoring your own needs until it’s too late.” 

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