From Burnout to Balance: How I Became the Vibe I Needed To See In The World
I’ve been wrestling with this post for months, dozens of rewrites, full-course corrections, and more than once the urge to hit “delete” and start over. Yet here I am: still trying, and still showing up.
“Still trying, and still showing up” has become my unofficial motto since I jumped off my corporate marketing 8-to-5 treadmill eighteen months ago. I left a cushy office job to chase my creative, multi-passionate professional dreams, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride.
On those mornings when I feel overwhelmed, underpaid, and utterly drained by the mere act of existing, I come back to this truth:
“I am doing this work to step into the person I’ve always known myself to be.”
Pause and read that again.
“I am doing this work to step into the person I’ve always known myself to be.”
That right there is an affirmation.
Affirmations have been the backbone of my ‘good vibes’ journey. A daily ritual I created for myself that is rooted in grounding, alignment, and calling in the life I crave.
This is my story of how I created the vibe I needed to see in the world.
The Idea of Issa Vibe Check Was Born
During the early days of lockdown, like so many of us, I finally had the time and headspace to question everything. I took stock of my past and asked, “Where am I headed in this life I’ve created?”
The future me I dreamed of was a creative entrepreneur living a soft life. Setting my own schedule, answering to no “boss,” and waking up excited for the possible adventures and side quests ahead. I felt worlds away from this with my 8-to-8 grind (yes, literally 8-8), my dwindling social circle, a relationship teetering on the edge, and, of course, a global pandemic.
I was sinking into hopelessness…until TikTok nudged me toward manifestation techniques. That's when I was reintroduced to affirmations, the simple “I am” statements spoken in the present tense.
I began to plaster various affirmations on sticky notes across my desk, mirror, and bedside table so even my ADHD brain couldn’t miss them. Each time I read one, I’d pause, breathe, and ground myself in the moment.
As time went on, I began to notice that my new positive self-talk technique was reshaping how I felt and how I was showing up in the world. I knew I couldn’t keep this to myself, and that’s when I decided to create Issa Vibe Check.
Entrepreneurship Runs in My DNA
Diving into entrepreneurship wasn’t new; I come from a line of business builders. But it was something I avoided because, at 23, right out of grad school, corporate $$$ sounded like a lot less work than starting a business.
However, the universe had other plans.
When lockdown hit, I rediscovered an affirmation deck I’d bought on Etsy at the start of my spiritual journey in 2017. I’d always been wary of tarot, so affirmations felt like a gentler intro. But flipping through those cards felt…uninspired. Generic “I am” statements that didn’t speak to my real struggles.
That’s when it hit me: why not create my own affirmation deck?
So I did. I took affirmations from my journals, found a printer, brainstormed a name, and launched Issa Vibe Check.
My First Market and the Crash That Followed
My debut market as Issa Vibe Check was electric. I left with a social media buzz and heartfelt messages from friends, family, and total strangers. Everywhere I turned, people said things like, “We need this deck right now,” or, “I never thought of affirmations like this.”
Therapists wanted these cards in their lobby. Parents and teachers envisioned them in classrooms. That feedback confirmed what I already knew: folks are hungry for simple tools to feel better, connect with themselves, and build healthy coping skills.
Then after that market, the seasonal sads kicked in with high force. I binge-watched Netflix, inhaled popcorn, and went radio silent on my business. Self-doubt moved in quickly:
- Should I make another deck?
- Should I create more products?
- Am I posting enough?
After a full day of “corporate brand” work, the last thing I wanted was more marketing, especially marketing myself. I was still clocking my 8-to-8, embodying someone else’s mission, and watching my passion slip away.
So I told myself: I’ll grind through the day job, save up, and make the business full-time when inspiration strikes again. However, as my workload grew, the spark for entrepreneurship dimmed almost completely.
Fast Forward: The Dream Job That Broke Me
Let’s jump to 2023.
At this point, I had been laid off from a very good, high-paying job. I took three months off to regroup. Then, my so-called marketing dream job fell into my lap. It felt easy, it was in my wheelhouse, and something I could turn into a long-term career.
But the moment I stepped into that office, I felt the ick.
Corporate America tries so hard to be sexy, but it always ends up giving “creepy uncle.” And let me say this loud for the people in the back: ANY COMPANY THAT CALLS THEMSELVES A FAMILY IS A WALKING RED FLAG.
My boss was kind, but we clashed in every way: creatively, emotionally, and in our processes. I hated feeling like a minion. After three months of freedom, going back to the grind felt like putting on a straitjacket. I was showing up, but the seams were busting. Every time I walked into that building, I had a panic attack. I cried in the bathroom, trying to pull myself together before the next call.
I was experiencing burnout and crashing fast.
I told myself to suck it up. Stay. Save money. Be practical.
But my younger self wasn’t having it.
She screamed daily: “Girl, what are you doing?! You don’t need this corporate bullshit! This isn’t your path! Remember the creative you are!”
So one day… I quit.
No backup plan.
But I made a vow walking out the door:
The only way I’m going back to corporate is if it’s for my company.
Finding My Path
* ‘In This Space We Believe’ poster 8.5X11 and 11X17 posters available at issavibecheck.com
Enter a year-and-a-half journey of figuring out what truly lights me up in work and life. Without a steady paycheck, dwindling savings, and zero desire to return to corporate, I was in a pickle. Sure, I needed money, but this time, I refused to force myself into anything that didn’t spark joy.
As an Aries, impulsiveness is a hallmark of our nature. So I gave myself permission to chase whatever called to me, and rest whenever I needed. In doing so, I untangled myself from that one-size-fits-all “path” and took up the gig life while making my business a full-time venture.
At first, it felt reckless. I kept telling myself I had to be rational. But here’s what I discovered: following joy? That’s a strategy, too.
Four Lessons I’ve Learned That Might Help You Too
Over the past 18 months, my life has undergone a complete transformation. It’s been chaotic, beautiful, painful, and freeing. I’ve learned a lot, mostly the hard way, but I want to share four things I hope can support you if you’re figuring out your next move to follow the vibe you wish to see, especially if you’re building a life outside the norm.
1. Your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you.
Seriously. Whether you’re freelancing, working retail, launching a business, or quitting your “dream job,” your journey is valid. I’ve done all of the above and then some. Just because something looks good on paper doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Trust your gut. Do what feels aligned, not what looks impressive.
2. Burnout is not a badge of honor, and healing takes time.
There were weeks I didn’t feel like doing anything. Seasonal depression kicked my ass. I felt stuck, scared, and totally unsure. And that’s okay. You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to rest. You don’t have to earn your dreams through burnout. Permit yourself to heal before you hustle. You will notice the difference.
3. Affirmations and authenticity are radical tools for freedom.
Starting Issa Vibe Check wasn’t just about creating a product; it was about creating a life. One where I get to be myself, speak my truth, and encourage others to do the same. Saying silly affirmations like “I am strong” truly changed my life. You don’t need to fake positivity; you just need to speak to yourself with more kindness and intention. That’s where the shift begins.
4. Share Your Journey Out Loud
I still cringe a little every time I hit “post.” Even with 16.9K followers on TikTok, sharing my “day in the life” videos can feel wildly vulnerable. However, content creation has been the secret sauce for building a community of incredible individuals who not only tune in to see me shine but also use my content as a tool for their own personal growth.
When I press “Record,” I remind myself: this isn’t just self-promotion, it’s an invitation. An invitation for someone out there, maybe in the exact place I once was, to know they’re not alone. It’s me saying, “Hey, I’m over here, figuring it out too. Let’s do this together.”
Take what hits. Leave what doesn’t. But remember: you’re allowed to build your own vibe. Even if that vibe turns into a business (gotta love capitalism).
What’s Next: Manifesting My Future
I affirm:
- My business will grow globally.
- Opportunities to create meaningful content will continue to flow to me.
-
I’ll continue to collaborate with people and causes I care about. Social justice and joy are always the goal.
So, who wrote this, and how can you learn more about me and the vibe I am building?
I’m Britt.
A Black, queer, femme, Chicagoan, neurospicy, 30-something business owner, amateur content creator, and gig life queen. I have over nine years of experience in brand management, events, and customer service. Feel free to creep on my LinkedIn.
Join Me on This Journey
This blog is the next step in my evolution to be seen in this world. It’ll be where I’ll share what I’m learning, what I’m manifesting, and what I’m building, on my terms. If you’ve ever wanted to break free, get real, and create a life that feels good in your bones, you’re ready for a vibe check.
Love, Britt