#4 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿...

We’ve all heard it, and maybe even said it ourselves:
“It’s just part of the job.”
“We’re used to being stretched.”
“You’ve got to be tough in this role.”

This mindset is all too common in radiography, and wider healthcare too.

But here’s the truth:

Burnout is 𝗡𝗢𝗧 a badge of honour.

It’s 𝗡𝗢𝗧 a rite of passage.

It’s 𝗡𝗢𝗧 a measure of your strength.

And it’s definitely 𝗡𝗢𝗧 sustainable.

But is does creep up on you - I know, I’ve been there.

I remember feeling drained all the time, no matter how much I slept. Small tasks that I used to breeze through became stressful and overwhelming, and I started to disconnect from my team, my family and even myself. And the worst part? It felt normal. It was like burnout had become part of the job description, something everyone expected and even praised.

🔸 “She’s always the first one in and the last to leave - total dedication.”
🔸 “She hasn’t taken a sick day in years – what a trooper!”
🔸 “You’re a machine! How do you keep going like that?”
🔸 “Sleep is overrated when you’ve got people depending on you, right?”

Burnout is debilitating, both physically and emotionally, and it doesn’t just disappear on its own. Thriving teams actively create an environment that protects their energy and promotes recovery.

Here’s how they do it:
✅ They respect breaks and time off - no guilt attached.
✅ They build a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength.
✅ They talk about pressure and stress before it boils over.
✅ They make space for reflection, learning, and human connection.
✅ They encourage rest - not as a luxury, but as a necessary strategy.

These aren’t perks, they’re the foundation of a healthy, high-performing team. So let's flip the script

You’re not a machine. You’re a person doing incredibly important, emotional work under high pressure. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re strong - it means something needs to change.

So, let’s stop rewarding burnout and start prioritizing well-being.