Elena Volk is a speaker, entrepreneur, blogger, and author of business articles. She has over 8 years of experience running businesses, including an IT recruitment agency and an online school for IT recruiters. Elena also helps others start working for themselves through mentorship.
Burnout among female entrepreneurs is becoming an increasingly relevant issue in today’s business landscape. As more women rise to leadership positions and launch startups, they face the growing pressures of managing businesses, balancing personal lives, and navigating societal expectations. However, much of the pressure doesn’t just come from external factors; many women set high standards for themselves in all areas of life. The pursuit of being the perfect leader, partner, mother, and maintaining an ideal image can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion.
We know countless stories of female entrepreneurs who have faced burnout, such as Arianna Huffington, who worked 18-hour days while balancing single motherhood, and Whitney Wolfe Herd, who experienced burnout during her time at Tinder. In my own entrepreneurial journey, I, too, struggled with balance. In the early stages of my business, there were days when I worked from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., barely finding time for a walk or any personal hobbies. Like the famous entrepreneurs mentioned, this path led me to poor mental health and burnout.
My turning point came during my pregnancy when I finally prioritized my health and began restructuring my schedule. By integrating other aspects of life into my routine, such as hobbies and family time, I realized that balance is crucial for sustained success and well-being.
Strategies for finding balance
The transformation began when I stopped living solely for work and started incorporating other aspects of life. A practical starting point is the well-known “Wheel of Life,” which helps evaluate the presence and satisfaction of different areas in life. What do you want to add? Whether it’s yoga, dancing, time with family, or travel, these elements can reinvigorate your sense of purpose.
One principle that helps me is, “If it’s not in my calendar, it’s not in my life.” I now schedule personal activities in my calendar, ensuring they have a set place in my day. For instance, if I don’t plan a gym session, I’ll likely never make it there. Balance, after all, is about living a rich, diverse life where energy and inspiration come from different sources, not just business.
Practical tips to avoid burnout and achieve balance
Lower your expectations
I allow myself not to be the “perfect” mother who volunteers for every school activity or bakes treats every week. I do what I can, and I don’t judge myself for not doing more. My love for my child remains unchanged regardless.
Make time for yourself
My day starts with an hour just for me, where I can grab a coffee or reflect on my goals. This time not only helps me recharge but also sparks fresh ideas for my business.
Delegate what you can
Whether it’s work or personal tasks, delegate anything that can be handed off. I went through an exercise where I listed everything I do, and that’s when I realized I needed both a business assistant and home help. I also delegate certain tasks to the EvoTalents team.
Write down unfinished tasks
Unfinished tasks drain our energy. I regularly sit down, write out all ongoing tasks, and decide whether to complete, delegate, or drop them. This clears my mind and gives me a sense of control.
Separate work and personal time
Working from home blurs the lines between personal and professional life. I establish boundaries by getting dressed for work, leaving the house for coffee in the morning, and changing into casual clothes when I finish work. This creates a clear division between work and personal life.
Conclusion: From burnout to balance
Finding balance is a continuous journey, not a one-time fix. For female entrepreneurs, the key lies in being kind to ourselves, delegating tasks, and ensuring we have time for things beyond work. Burnout may be an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial experience, but it doesn’t have to define it. By nurturing both personal and professional aspects of life, we can build businesses that thrive without sacrificing our well-being in the process. Balance, after all, isn’t about perfection—it’s about sustainability.
Read more from Elena Volk
Elena Volk, Founder & CEO of EvoTalents Recruiting Agency
Elena Volk founded the IT recruitment agency EvoTalents and the online school for IT recruiters, EvoTalents.School.
8 years ago, she made one of the most challenging but best decisions of her life — to leave her job, move to London, and start working for herself, first as a freelancer and later as an entrepreneur.
Over these years, she built a team and established an agency that is now among the top IT recruitment agencies in Ukraine.
