From Burnout to Breakthrough
Chelsea Chludzinski’s Career Reset After Getting Fired
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What was your role and industry before you were let go?
Senior Enterprise Account Manager, Software
What signs of burnout were you experiencing before it happened?
In my role as Senior Enterprise Account Manager, I experienced a level of burnout that completely shifted who I am, at my core. I’m an extremely outgoing and active person by nature—I genuinely enjoy being around people, getting into a gym six days a week, and thrive in social environments. But during that time, all I wanted was my couch, a blanket, and a mindless TV show to binge. I felt drained in every way; no amount of rest could refill my energy.
The motivation that once drove me disappeared, and I found myself pulling away from people, both professionally and personally. On top of that, constantly being told by my boss that I wasn’t good enough chipped away at my confidence, leaving me feeling ineffective and questioning my abilities. It was a tough season that really forced me to recognize the toll that burnout can take, even on the most passionate and driven individuals.
How did it unfold—and how did you feel in that moment?
To clear the air—I was fired. Despite not only achieving, but surpassing, my goals for the year, I found myself in a really difficult place with my boss. We had drastically different approaches to Account Management—mine was rooted in relationship-building, and long-term technical strategy, while hers was more rigid and sales-focused. Over time, that disconnect grew into tension, and ultimately, she told me I was no longer a fit for the company. I was devastated. I had poured my energy, passion, and loyalty into that role for four years—a rare tenure in the fast-paced software world where the average is closer to two.
Did you recognize the burnout right away, or did it take time to see it clearly?
In the months leading up to my departure, I was already experiencing the slow creep of burnout. I’m an extremely outgoing, people-driven person, but I had started to withdraw from my coworkers, friends, and even family. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted, to the point where the only thing that felt manageable was the commute from my bed to my living room, or the daily jaunt around the block with my dog. Eventually my boss’s negative feedback was enough to gradually eroded my confidence, leaving me stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and discouragement. My motivation disappeared, and even the simplest tasks began to feel like an uphill battle.
What were the first few weeks after like—mentally, emotionally, physically?
Getting fired while deep in burnout was a painful combination, but also a pivotal moment of reflection. As with anything difficult, you have to allow yourself to sit with it—really feel your feelings. I was fired on a Thursday, and by Friday I was already job searching and trying to create a plan. My dad said, “Why don’t you take the weekend to just pause, digest, and relax for a moment?” So I did. Taking that time helped me reframe the disappointment I felt in myself and the situation, and gave me the clarity I needed to move forward.
It gave me the space to reevaluate what kind of environments support my best work, what leadership traits I need in order to grow, and how important mental and emotional wellness is to sustained and successful performance. You learn a lot about people when you get fired—but you also learn a hell of a lot about yourself.
What boundaries, habits, or insights emerged once you had space to breathe?
I took a step back from technology and spent time reflecting on what I truly enjoyed about my role, and what I didn’t. I created a list of my non-negotiables and nice-to-haves, which helped clarify what I need to feel fulfilled in my work. Most importantly, I established stronger boundaries around my time, even if that means working more on some days and less on others.
Burnout had made me feel so consumed by my own stress that I struggled to show up for others. I realized I needed to make space for balance and presence. One simple but impactful change was turning off LinkedIn notifications and removing work email from my phone. That shift has allowed me to disconnect from my job at the end of the day and truly be present with friends and family.
Did your definition of “success” or “work” shift after this experience?
Absolutely—and so did my definition of non-negotiables. In my previous role, burnout stemmed from being expected to juggle too many responsibilities at once, spinning multiple plates while sitting through 13 back-to-back meetings in a single day. I had no time to actually do the work my role required, which led to intense stress, long hours, and a significant impact on my personal life.
Have you made any changes in how you work, live, or plan your next move as a result?
Yes, I've transitioned out of customer success and into an operations role that is project-based. My “customers” are internal stakeholders, and I have the opportunity to continuously optimize processes for greater efficiency. These improvements not only save time and resources, they also directly impact the company’s bottom line.
I also now work a hybrid schedule, which makes me available in the office twice a week for people to review things in person, as well as being completely accessible by computer and phone throughout my time at home. As I mentioned, I also removed work email from my phone, which allows me to shut down that part of my brain when I shut down my computer.
What helped you start to heal (mentors, routines, resources, therapy, time off)?
Honestly? What I needed most was time off—a real break from the constant 'ding' of notifications, and time off without consequences. I also reached out to mentors(both long-time connections and new voices)to gain perspective. I asked how they navigated their day-to-day, built their networks, and grew within the industry. That outside perspective was incredibly grounding and helped me reframe my own path forward.
Where are you now in your journey—career-wise, and personally?
Career-wise, I'm happier in my career than I’ve been in years. Not only did I transition out of Customer Success, I also stepped away from the software industry altogether. I’m now working in Operations at an oil and gas company—a path I never imagined for myself, but one I’m incredibly grateful I pursued. I took a chance, and it paid off. During this transition, a book that resonated deeply with me was Nobody Cares About Your Career by Erika Ayers Badan. One quote that stuck with me: “If I can lose, I can win. If I can’t lose, I’ll never win.”
Personally, I’m in a much better place. I’m off the couch, back in the gym, and—most importantly—I feel ten times lighter than I did during burnout. I finally have the emotional capacity to be present for others, to support my friends, and to dive headfirst into learning an entirely new industry.
What would you say to someone who just got laid off, let go, or fired and is secretly relieved—but also scared?
Take the weekend. Being untethered from a job can feel scary, freeing, overwhelming, and exhilarating—all at once. Giving yourself the space to sit with those emotions, to truly process what you’ve left behind, is incredibly important. It allows you to reframe your mindset—not as someone who lost a job, but as someone who stepped away from something that was draining you, and is now making space for something that fuels you.
In this time, be unapologetically selfish. Be your own biggest hype-person through your introspection. Brag about yourself—talk about your strengths, your wins, your impact. Your confidence is still there!
Want to follow Chelsea’s next chapter? Find her on LinkedIn
