Hey design dashers, it’s Laura and Melissa here, back with a conversation that hits home for so many of us. You ever have those days where the work you once loved suddenly feels like a never-ending grind? Like, where did the passion go? Trust us, we’ve been there too. This week, we’re digging into that tricky, messy space where purpose seems to vanish—how it happens, why it happens, and, most importantly, how to get it back.
We’re getting real about those seasons of burnout, where the little things just pile up, and before you know it, you’re questioning everything: “Is this really what I want to do forever?” Sound familiar? We get into all of it, from losing sight of the bigger picture to getting stuck in the weeds on things that don’t light us up anymore (hello, pillow trim choices!).
But it’s not all doom and gloom! In this episode, we’re sharing how we’ve found our way back to passion—whether it’s through stepping back, reconnecting with our vision, or even realizing it’s okay to let go and move on. You’ll hear us talk about the importance of lifelong learning, finding meaning outside of work, and those times when, let’s be honest, you just have to burn it all down and start fresh.
What We Discuss In This Episode:
- The Vanishing Passion: What do you do when the work that once inspired you now feels mundane? Melissa shares how losing sight of purpose sneaks up on us, “It’s not like one big thing happens—sometimes it’s just that life builds up over time.”
- Mindset Over Matter: When burnout strikes, what’s the first step to getting out of it? Laura explains how stepping back and seeing the bigger picture is key: “I’m way too in the weeds, and I can’t see the forest for the trees.”
- Dynamic Shifts in Purpose: Just because something was once fulfilling doesn’t mean it always will be. Both of us share how what used to light us up has evolved—and how to move on when that passion fades.
- Making a Plan to Walk Away: Is it better to plan an exit or to just walk away when something no longer serves you? We talk about our different approaches to handling burnout: Melissa, the planner, and me, always ready to “burn it down.”
- Lifelong Learning: Whether it’s getting a yoga certification or joining a women’s group, keeping curiosity alive through learning can help reignite purpose. “I realized I haven’t learned something new in a really long time,” Melissa says. “And that’s when things get stale.”
- The Role of Vision: How do you get unstuck? It’s all about vision. We discuss how reconnecting with your vision—and even revisiting it periodically—can breathe new life into your work.
At the end of the day, burnout doesn’t mean the end of the road. It could simply be a signal that you need to shift your perspective, reconnect with your values, or maybe even burn things down to start anew. But no matter what, there is always a way forward.
This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their work or wondered if it’s time to make a change. We’ve got your back, and we’re sharing exactly how we’ve navigated those tough moments. Tune in for some laughs, a bit of soul-searching, and practical ways to reignite your purpose when it feels like it’s gone for good.
P.S.: We’d love to hear your stories, too! What are you doing to get your spark back? Hit us up on our socials—we’re always ready for a good chat.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.
