Burnout might be a hot topic on TikTok, but it was around long before social media made it a buzzword.
Back in the 1970s, psychologist Herbert Freudenberger coined the term after experiencing it firsthand. He spent 10-hour days at his private practice just to turn around and pull a second shift at St. Mark’s Free Clinic. By the time he got home, he barely had time to sleep before dragging himself out of bed and doing it all over again.
Fast forward to today, burnout is more relevant than ever. In 2021, a staggering 89% of employees quit their jobs citing burnout as the main reason.
As an interior design business owner, the risk for burnout can be high. The constant juggling of emails, invoices, client calls, revisions, and project deadlines can be overwhelming—draining your energy and stifling your creativity.
Does this sound all too familiar?
If you want your interior design business to thrive, taking care of yourself isn’t optional—it’s essential. Let’s break down the warning signs of burnout and how you can make changes before it takes a toll on you and your business.
Burnout warning signs you don’t want to miss
There was a time when “leaving work” actually meant stepping away. Before laptops, smartphones, and constant notifications, when your work was finished, you wouldn’t touch it again until the next day.
Now, work follows us everywhere—dinner tables, vacations, and (be honest) even after you crawl into bed. As business owners, the constant need to ensure your business is running smoothly has us constantly checking in. Instead of taking the breaks we desperately need, we push through, convinced that hustling harder is the only way to succeed.
However, if you’re not careful, this is how burnout starts to slowly take over.
Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it creeps in slowly, disguised as dedication and ambition. We tell ourselves to power through, to stay just a little longer, to give just a little more. But when you’re constantly running on empty, your body shifts into survival mode, leaving you mentally drained, creatively blocked, and emotionally distant from the work you once loved.
Here are a few red flags that burnout might be taking over:
- Your creativity feels stuck. You dread projects that used to excite you, and inspiration feels out of reach.
- You’re physically and mentally drained. Headaches, exhaustion, and constant overwhelm are becoming the norm. And when you need sleep the most, insomnia creeps in.
- You’re emotionally detached. Client interactions feel like a chore, and your passion for design is fading.
- Your work is suffering. Mistakes are slipping through the cracks, and quality isn’t where it used to be. You begin to detest the work you once loved.
- Admin tasks are taking over. Emails, invoicing, and client calls are beginning to take over everything else, including your creative time.
- You have no work-life boundaries. You’re always “on” and the line between business and personal life is blurred.
- Perfectionism is running the show. You feel like nothing is ever “good enough,” and imposter syndrome is creeping in.
Recognizing these signs is the first step. The next step is to take action before burnout becomes serious. Let’s talk about how to regain balance and get back to doing what you love—without running yourself into the ground.
How to ensure burnout doesn’t become a real problem
1. Set boundaries with clients (and yourself!)
Boundaries aren’t just about saying “no”—they’re about protecting your business and your well-being. When you’re constantly available, answering emails at all hours, or letting projects expand beyond their original scope, burnout isn’t far behind. Here’s how to set (and stick to) healthy boundaries.
Establish set work hours (and stick to them!)
Decide when your workday starts and ends, and actually log off when it’s over. Set an alarm as a reminder, shut down your laptop, and resist the urge to check emails late at night.
Set communication boundaries
Let clients know when you’re available (and when you’re not). Use autoresponders for emails, avoid after-hours responses, and if needed, keep work notifications off your personal phone.
Create airtight contracts
Scope creep happens when we allow agreed-upon projects to gradually expand beyond what was originally agreed upon. In business, it can be easy to constantly want to please your clients and to give more and more, but it’s to your detriment. To avoid this, create airtight contracts and practice saying “no” to projects that are outside of the contract details.
2. Delegate your time-draining tasks and lighten your load
Most interior designers step into this field because they love transforming spaces—not drowning in emails, invoices, and endless admin work. But when you’re trying to juggle every aspect of your business, burnout is almost inevitable. If you find yourself spending more time on operations and logistics than creativity, it’s time to delegate and reclaim your joy.
Pinpoint the tasks that eat up your time but don’t require your expertise
Not every task requires your expertise. Ask yourself:
- What tasks do I dread the most?
- What’s eating up my time without moving the needle?
- What could someone else do faster or better?
Choose the right people and tools to take over those tasks
Once you know what to delegate, decide who (or what) will take over those tasks. It could look something like this:
Interior Design Virtual Assistants (VAs): These experts are great at handling basic admin, like emails, scheduling, and client follow-ups, giving you back the creative time you need. At Hannah Bowyer & Co., we go beyond basic support—we take care of floor plan drawings, 3D renderings, procurement, and more so you can focus on designing.
Automation Tools: Let technology do the heavy lifting. A smart CRM, like Dubsado, can send questionnaires, proposals, invoices, contracts, and even schedule calls—all on autopilot. Here at Hannah Bowyer and Co., we specialize in setting up Dubsado for interior designers so your business runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Marketing Assistants: Instead of spending hours figuring out how to market your business, why not pass it off to a pro? Partner with a team (like us!) that curates and manages your social media, email newsletters, and blogs so your brand stays visible at all times.
3. Protect your creative energy and prioritize rest
Your creativity is your most valuable asset—but when you’re running on empty, your inspiration takes a hit. Instead of fueling your passion, your work starts to feel like a chore. That’s why protecting your energy and prioritizing rest is essential—not just for your well-being, but for your business too.
Schedule uninterrupted creative time
Block off your calendar for design work only (and protect this time). Don’t allow other meetings or tasks to interrupt it. If you’re feeling stuck, switch up your environment—try working from a cozy café, a sunny patio, or even a design showroom for fresh inspiration.
Take rest seriously (and without guilt)
Taking breaks isn’t slacking off—it’s how you do your best work. When you give your brain space to recharge, you come back more inspired and more creative. This could look like taking a midday walk or a quick gym session (yes, physical activity actually boosts creativity). And don’t forget to schedule regular vacations. Give yourself something to look forward to—and fully unplug when the time comes.
Your clients deserve the best version of you
When you’re overworked and overwhelmed, it’s hard to show up as the creative, inspired designer your clients hired. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to do it all alone.If you’re ready to lighten your load and prevent burnout, let’s chat about how a VA can support you. Our suite of services is designed with your unique needs in mind, ensuring that your interior design business thrives. Let’s chat.
