From Reality TV Burnout to a Fulfilling Career and Side Hustle: Kristen’s Story

From Burnout to New Beginnings

Kristen spent a decade working in reality television, but the stress, long hours, and lack of boundaries left her feeling burnt out and unfulfilled. In this blog, we explore Kristen’s journey of reclaiming her career, finding a role that aligned with her passions, and building a side hustle she loved. Her story is an inspiring example of how clarity and action can lead to lasting career transformation.

The Struggle: Overworked and Stuck

Kristen’s career in post-production had once been exciting, but over the years, the demands of the job became overwhelming. Working 72-hour weeks, often with no time for personal life or creativity, left Kristen exhausted and questioning her purpose.

“I was working 24/7. I would work at 3 AM, work for 72 hours straight without sleeping. It was a very stressful job, and I just put my head down and kept working at it.”

The pandemic intensified these feelings, forcing Kristen to confront the reality that this job was not what she had imagined for herself. She longed for more creativity, balance, and a life outside of work.

“I thought I would do something more creative… I had sort of fallen into this managerial, very strict role, and I was just like, ‘Wow, this wasn’t where I thought I would be.'”

Kristen knew that if she didn’t make a change soon, she would continue to spiral deeper into burnout.

The Decision: Taking Control of Her Career

In a moment of clarity, Kristen decided she had to leave her toxic job. She reached out for help and began her journey of self-discovery and career transformation. Although she had hesitations, she recognized that she couldn’t do it alone.

“I was just stuck. The harder it became, the more I procrastinated. I realized I needed help, and that’s when I reached out.”

Kristen was ready to break free from the cycle of stress and uncertainty, but she didn’t know exactly how to begin. That’s where we worked together to clarify her goals and take action.

Finding Clarity: Defining What She Truly Wanted

Kristen’s first goal was clear: to leave her current job without burning any bridges. She wanted to transition into a job that allowed her to use her creative skills and give her the work-life balance she was craving.

“I wanted to move into a work environment that I felt more comfortable in and gave me some work-life balance… up until that point, I’d never had that.”

In addition to finding a new job, Kristen was determined to reconnect with her passion for on-camera hosting, which she had sidelined for years. She missed it and knew it was a key part of her fulfillment.

“I had started on-camera hosting right after college, but with my job in reality television, I had no time for any other passion project… it was so hurtful that I had no time to do what I loved.”

Kristen wanted a job that offered her the freedom to explore her passions without sacrificing her well-being.

Aha Moment: Designing Her Ideal Workday

One of the most impactful exercises during our coaching sessions was envisioning her perfect workday. Kristen had spent so many years at the mercy of her job that she never stopped to consider what she truly wanted from her career. The values worksheet helped her see that she didn’t have to conform to a rigid 9-to-5 schedule if that didn’t align with her lifestyle.

“I was able to say, ‘I’m not at the mercy of the company I work for. I can be in control of my own day and envision what kind of life I want to have.’”

This shift in perspective helped Kristen feel empowered to make decisions that better aligned with her goals, both professionally and personally.

Tangible Results: A New Job, New Opportunities, and More Time for Passions

Kristen’s hard work paid off. Not only did she land a new job that aligned with her values, but she also found herself in a supportive environment with a boss who respected her boundaries. Gone were the days of constant work pressure and burnout.

“I got a new job that I enjoy… my boss is awesome. I have a lot of respect for her, and she respects me.”

Kristen’s new role was a creative one, allowing her to tap into her passions and use her skills in a way that felt fulfilling. But the most exciting part? Kristen regained control over her time, allowing her to focus on her side hustle as an on-camera host.

“Now I can actually see it happening full time. I can focus on my hosting work, which is something I love.”

This new balance of career satisfaction and creative freedom allowed Kristen to thrive, both professionally and personally.

The Power of Networking: How Kristen Landed Her Dream Job

While Kristen’s new job came through networking, her updated resume and newfound clarity played a significant role in her success. The job at CMT was the perfect fit, and she felt proud to share her experience and skills.

“I got a new job… and I got it through a friend. Networking worked!”

Kristen’s story is a testament to the power of networking, clarity, and having the right tools to navigate your career transition.

Finding Work-Life Balance: No More Stressful Vacations

One of the most significant changes Kristen experienced was the ability to take a vacation without the stress of work creeping in. For years, Kristen had struggled to disconnect from work during time off. But now, she had a job that respected her time, and for the first time, she was able to enjoy a vacation without the constant interruption of work demands.

“I went on vacation, and my boss didn’t email me the entire time. I’ve never had that happen before. It was the first vacation I’ve ever taken without crying because of work stress.”

This newfound balance allowed Kristen to be fully present during her time off, something she had longed for during her years of overwork.

Surprising Lessons: More Than Just a Job Change

Kristen discovered that career transformation is about more than just finding a new job—it’s about creating a holistic life that aligns with your values and passions. She learned to see beyond the tasks of her job and focus on how her work fit into her overall life.

“I found that the worksheets and exercises made me think about my life as a whole, not just my 9-to-5 job. It was a big realization for me.”

This holistic approach to career transformation allowed Kristen to find true fulfillment, not just in her job, but in her life as a whole.

What’s Next: A Thriving Career and Side Hustle

Kristen’s journey continues as she grows into her new role and expands her side hustle as a host for Amazon. She’s already been hosting live streams for Amazon, showcasing home and beauty products, and loving every minute of it.

“I’m hosting for Amazon now, and I get to work in a studio with a producer. It’s a lot of work, but I love it. I can put it on my resume and continue building my skills.”

Kristen’s future is bright, and she’s living proof that with the right guidance, clarity, and a little courage, you can turn your passions into a fulfilling career and side hustle.

Take the Leap, Trust Yourself

If Kristen’s story resonates with you, and you’re feeling stuck in your career or struggling to find time for your passions, know that change is possible. Take a leap of faith and trust yourself. As Kristen learned, once you take the first step and get clear on what you want, opportunities will start to fall into place.

“You just have to trust in yourself and trust in your skills. Once you do that, everything becomes easier.”

If you’re ready to make a change and start building a career and life you love, let’s talk. Schedule a 15-minute call to explore how I can help you get started.

Watch our video interview on YouTube to hear it straight from Kristen’s mouth. And if you’re struggling to find clarity, purpose, or passion, and how that intersects with your career, reach out for a quick phone call with Kori to share your goals. Kori can share the details to see if it’s the right fit for you.