From Burnout to Boundaries: How to Redesign Your Role Before You Quit

You’re not broken, but maybe your role alignment is.

Finding your form takes time and effort. | Image by Suzanne D. Williams

When the work that once energized you starts to feel like a weight, it’s tempting to assume the answer is quitting. Sometimes it is. But often, what you actually need is a reset, not an escape.

This article is for designers who are hitting a wall but still want to care. You’re not done — but your current situation is. Let’s redesign your role, so you don’t have to torch your career to feel whole again.

Burnout vs. Misalignment: Know Which One You’re In

Burnout is emotional and cognitive exhaustion — often caused by an overload of responsibilities, long hours, lack of autonomy, unclear expectations, or chronic under-recognition.

Misalignment is different. It means the shape of your role no longer fits the shape of your strengths, values, or goals.

You can be misaligned without being overwhelmed. You can be burned out even in a job that looks perfect on paper. And you can absolutely be both.

Start by asking:

• Am I doing too much? Or the wrong mix of things?

• Do I feel energized by anything at work right now?

• Is this a sustainable pace — or am I slowly draining?

The answers will help you decide whether to renegotiate your role — or exit.

Paid subscribers get access to exclusive content, commenting on posts, and the Design Leadership chat group with myself and others on similar journeys.

Step 1: Audit Your Actual Role

What you were hired to do and what you’re currently doing are rarely the same thing after a year or two.

Take 15–20 minutes to list out your recurring tasks, projects, and responsibilities. Then ask:

• Which tasks energize me?

• Which feel neutral?

• Which drain me — and why?

• Which are high impact for the org vs. just “keeping the lights on”?

Important notes: