When Dr. Sarah Nicholls hit the wall in her first year as a doctor, she did what most high-achievers do: pushed harder. That only made the burnout worse. In this conversation, Sarah shares how a toxic work culture, night shifts, and perfectionism turned life into a slog—and how she found her way back to lightness, joy, and sustainable success. (Plot twist: she also launched a mini business painting people’s pets to pay for med school. 🐶🎨)

We talk about:

• spotting burnout early (before it nukes your confidence)
• the stigma of stepping off the “straight-line” career ladder in medicine
• choosing a locum path for autonomy and recovery
• building community, asking for help, and why your “hype-girl playlist” matters
• adding micro-joy at work so healthcare doesn’t swallow your life
• 
  

Free resource Sarah mentioned: “Switch Off” masterclass (link in description).

Get to know Sarah:

Life coach helping people recover from burnout.

Instagram: @SarahNicholls

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sarahnicholls

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com