Burnout Turned Tragedy: When Rest Comes Too Late
A few days ago, I shared a post on LinkedIn that struck a collective nerve.
It told the story of Quita Cole — a 40-year-old woman who worked seven days a week. Like so many of us, she rarely slowed down. She was always “on,” always producing, always pushing through.
Recently, Quita posted something many of us could relate to: she was exhausted and needed rest. Not a sabbatical. Not a vacation. Just rest.
So, she took one.
But Quita never woke up.
She laid down to nap… and never got up again.
Her story has since reached thousands, with over 400 reactions and dozens of personal responses from people who saw themselves in her.
Because the truth is: burnout isn’t just a workplace issue. It’s a health crisis.
Why Quita’s Story Hit So Hard
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Because we saw ourselves in her.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader, a parent, or a one-person team, chances are you’ve been running on fumes at some point. Quita’s story feels hauntingly familiar — a mirror too many of us weren’t ready to look into. -
Because we treat rest like a reward, not a right.
Quita didn’t ask for time off. She asked for rest. But in today’s culture, unless you’re collapsing from exhaustion, rest is often seen as indulgent. Productivity has become the new morality — and it’s killing people. -
Because burnout is invisible until it’s catastrophic.
Most of us don’t realize how far we’ve pushed until something gives — our health, our relationships, or our will to keep going. Burnout isn’t always loud. It doesn’t announce itself with flashing warning signs. Sometimes, it looks like a nap that turns fatal.
Are You Burned Out? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
Burnout isn’t always dramatic. It creeps in. It becomes normal. Here are three questions to check in with yourself:
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Are you emotionally numb or detached?
If wins feel empty, and you’re just “getting through the day,” you may be beyond tired — you may be disconnected. -
Do you wake up more exhausted than when you went to sleep?
When sleep stops being restorative, your body is telling you something is seriously off. -
Are basic tasks starting to feel impossible?
If simple to-dos feel like climbing Everest, your mental and emotional resources are depleted — not just low, but gone.
What To Do If You’re Overworked and On the Edge
If Quita’s story feels close to home, please don’t wait for your system to crash. Here’s what you can do:
1. Say It Out Loud.
Admit it. “I’m burned out.” “I’m not okay.” Say it to a friend, a colleague, a coach. Naming it is the first act of healing.
2. Reprioritize Ruthlessly.
Not everything is urgent. Some things can wait. Some should be let go altogether. Your life isn’t a checklist — it’s a fragile system that needs recovery.
3. Seek Real Support.
Burnout recovery is not a solo journey. Whether it’s therapy, coaching, or community — get help. Sleep helps, yes. But healing also takes boundaries, courage, and in some cases, a full lifestyle shift.
Let’s Make Sure Quita’s Story Isn’t Forgotten
Quita deserved better. We all do. Her story is a tragic reminder that rest is not optional — it’s essential.
So if you’re teetering on the edge, this is your permission slip:
✨ You don’t have to earn your rest.
✨ You don’t need to collapse to justify a break.
✨ You are allowed to slow down — before your body forces you to.
Want to Go Deeper? Here’s How You Can Join the Movement:
1️⃣ Watch the Replay
This conversation isn’t just about burnout. It’s about leadership, culture, and reclaiming health. Watch the Supercharged Teams book launch featuring 5X Emmy Award-winning producer Bill Pruitt:
🔗 Watch here
2️⃣ Share Quita’s Story
Help shift the narrative. Copy this post and share it on LinkedIn. Tag your team, your community, your leaders.
“I just pre-ordered Supercharged Teams: How Every Manager Can Create a Culture of Excellence by Netta Jenkins and left a review on Amazon. I highly recommend you do the same! Watch the launch replay featuring Emmy-winning producer Bill Pruitt.”
3️⃣ Pre-Order the Book
If you lead a team, manage people, or want to build cultures that don’t burn people out, Supercharged Teams is a must-read.
📘 Pre-order now
