Two Women ChattingMarianne Jones | Midlife Burnout
Michelle and Liz are joined in this episode by Marianne Jones, to discuss why so many women burn out during midlife, which is exactly what happened to Marianne. She is an award-winning editor, writer, podcaster, and brand & content director who works with the nation’s biggest newspapers and magazines. About 18 months ago, Marianne ended up in A&E and was told she needed to take a significant period off work to recover from burnout. It was tough to do, but the change resulted in a more balanced and positive way of living and has created new opportunities.
Midlife burnout is becoming increasingly common, particularly for women. To the point where the World Health Organization (WHO) has now recognised the issue. Marianne talks about what happened to her, and how working from home and letting work define who she was contributed to the situation. She also shares the steps she has taken to recover and build a more balanced life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The lines between work and home have become increasingly blurred, making it harder to switch off.
- Being constantly stretched and frenetically busy takes a huge toll on your physical health.
- Being tired but so wired you can´t fall asleep is a big warning sign.
- If people around you notice changes in your behaviour or worry you are too stressed, listen to them.
- It is OK to stop and take a break. In fact, it is essential.
- Throughout the day decompress, Marianne shares several ways to do that.
- Midlife is a good time to pause, take stock, and start to do things differently. Don´t miss out on the chance to take some of the pressure off and enjoy life more.
BEST MOMENTS
“Covid has blurred the lines a lot between home and work life.”
“Your body just cannot cope, at this stage of life, with what your mind is going through.”
“It just felt like I had woken up one day having been flung off a fairground ride onto a sofa with hypertension and the Cockapoo.”
“You're still using your skills and abilities, but just not doing so much.”
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EPISODE RESOURCES
Been There, Done That, Got the Podcast - with Kat Farmer
Sunday Times article by Marianne Jones about Midlife Burnout
ABOUT THE GUEST
Marianne Jones is a multi-award-winning editor, writer, podcast host, and brand consultant, with 30-plus years of experience in women's lifestyle media.
Currently, she is the Brand & content director for LookUp Lifestyle and the co-host of the weekly podcast: Been There, Done That, Got the Podcast, with Kat Farmer. Before that, she was the deputy editor of UK Grazia. She writes regularly for national newspapers. including The Times, Marie Claire, and the Daily Mirror.
Marianne has won the prestigious editor of the year award for two years running. In 2019, for the Sunday Telegraph’s Stella magazine and in 2020 for the Daily Telegraph Saturday magazine. Winning it for a 3rd time in 2021 for TelegraphMag. An award that she had to accept from home because she was recovering from burnout. A common problem that Marianne is raising awareness of.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Liz Copping is a networking pro & event consultant, leaping out of her comfort zone to co-host this podcast.
Lizcopping@outlook.com. insta @lizcoppingtwc
Michelle Ford is a professional voice actor and empty nester pressing reset, enjoying a new career in podcasting!
michelleford1000@gmail.com. insta @michellefordtwc
CONTACT METHOD
PODCAST DESCRIPTION
Join hosts Liz and Michelle redefining life over 50 as empty nesters, embracing the highs and lows of midlife with celebrity guests and experts, sharing a laugh on their podcast sofa. We talk about real concerns, issues, and fun topics that affect us, our friends, and our family.
Midlife is not just about the menopause (although we’d be the first to admit it’s right up there!) but it is a time of adventure, change and reset - with plenty of opportunities and challenges along the way.
Whether we’re chatting about ‘boomerang kids,’ diet failures (and occasional successes!), pro-ageing, travel, changing relationships, or inspiration for new jobs or activities, there’s always room for one more on our sofa.
