Escaping the Sunday Scaries: Burnout, Purpose, and Building a Business You Own with Tom Cooke

On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty digs into the mental health cost of staying in a job you hate. Guest Tom Cooke—a former quantity surveyor who left corporate life after a purpose-reset—breaks down the “silent burnout” of dread, numbness, and anxiety that comes from working without meaning. You’ll learn how to assess your skills, spot real problems to solve, validate a business idea while employed, and make steady, patient moves toward a purpose-led venture.

About the guest  :

Tom Cooke is a purpose-driven business strategist who left a stable corporate career after a sabbatical revealed that success without freedom isn’t success. He now helps professionals identify their first profitable idea, validate it on the side, and design a business that aligns with their values and mental well-being.

Key takeaways  :

• Name the problem: “Silent burnout” looks like chest heaviness at the alarm, Sunday dread, and emotional numbness even around friends and family.

• Purpose ≠ paycheck: A great salary can still cost peace of mind; fulfillment comes from aligned work you control.

• Start while employed: List strengths/skills, note problems people actually have, and find the overlap where you can help.

• Validate fast: Talk to potential customers, test whether your idea solves a real pain, and use feedback to refine or drop it.

• Don’t rush the exit: You don’t need to quit to begin—build on the side to reduce risk and gain clarity.

• Patience beats hacks: Real results take time; avoid shortcuts and focus on consistent, purposeful actions.

• Reframe loyalty: Companies move on quickly; protect your health, energy, and long-term goals.

• One next step: Identify one tiny move this week that advances your purpose (conversation, draft offer, or research call).

How to connect with the guest  

• Instagram: @tomwjcooke (Cooke with an “e”)

• Website: https://tomwjcooke.com/

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

• DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.  

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

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