If you have been feeling unwell at work, stuck in a role that is draining you, or quietly wondering whether it is time to leave, this conversation is for you. Karina sits down with career coach Ben Fox to talk about the idea of a “quit date” as a calming, practical milestone. Together they unpack why leaving can feel so scary, even when you have savings or options, and how getting objective about your financial runway can help your nervous system settle enough to think clearly.

Ben also shares how experimentation, community, and rebuilding your energy can open doors you cannot see when you are deep in exhaustion and cynicism. Quitting is not always the answer, but having it on the table can create space for a healthier relationship with work, and a more meaningful next step.

In this episode, you will learn

1. Why setting a quit date can reduce panic and create mental space
2. How to use financial facts, not fear, to ground a big decision
3. Common identity and cultural narratives that keep people stuck
4. Why recovering energy comes before choosing the perfect next job
5. How to use low-commitment “experiments” to test potential pivots
6. The role of relationships and community in making change possible

Conversation highlights

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Ben’s path from teaching to coaching

05:26 Who Ben helps

09:22 The “quit date” idea and why many people resist it at first

10:51 “What’s My Runway?” using numbers to calm the amygdala

13:12 Beyond money: health, responsibility, and fear of being seen as a quitter

16:42 Boundaries, people-pleasing, and the moment a parent realizes the cost

21:32 Identity, ageism, and the fear of the “abyss” when you do not know what is next

27:09 Why you only need the next step, not the next ten

31:31 Experimentation as a hypothesis, and crossing options off the list with relief

36:48 Community and relationship-based job searching that feels more human

45:11 Where to begin: do not quit rashly, start with your runway

Resources mentioned

1. "What’s My Runway?" Template
2. Free 45-minute “What’s My Runway” Strategy Session

About Ben Fox

Ben Fox is a career coach based in New York City. He helps experienced people in tech, especially senior software engineers, leave toxic jobs and build careers that feel meaningful, energizing, and aligned.

Connect with Ben

LinkedIn

Listener reflection

If you are in the thick of burnout, try this question: What would change in my body and mind if I knew I could leave on a specific date, even if I did not know every step after that yet?

Back After Burnout is produced by the SwissCast Network, the only podcast network with podcasts produced in, for, or about English-speaking Switzerland.

Back After Burnout is for education and inspiration only and does not constitute medical, mental-health, legal, or employment advice. Every burnout journey is unique—always consult qualified healthcare and workplace professionals before acting on anything you hear. Resources shared are tools Karina has personally found helpful; they may not suit every listener. Use what serves you and leave the rest.

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Back After Burnout is a proud member and a production of the SwissCast Network

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