What makes someone susceptible to burnout?

Signs you might be an "insecure overachiever" and other symptoms of burnout. There's a difference between insecure overachievers and high achievers Ever feel like no matter how much you accomplish, it’s never enough? You’re constantly working late, pushing yourself harder - yet deep down, you’re afraid of being exposed as “not good enough.” If this sounds familiar, you might be what experts call an insecure overachiever.

Burnout doesn’t hit you overnight - it builds gradually, often hiding behind the mask of ambition and success until exhaustion becomes the norm. Many professionals, especially in high-pressure fields like law, finance, and consultancy, eventually find themselves worn down by their careers. But not everyone is equally at risk.



One key factor is the mindset of the insecure overachiever. Examined by Laura Empson in her influential book Leading Professionals: Power, Politics, and Prima Donnas, this term describes individuals who are not only highly capable and ambitious but also driven by deep-seated self-doubt and a constant fear of not measuring up..