How to survive burnout in tech and UX (Yvonne Xiao)

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Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a reality for many of us
working in UX and tech. The long hours, the shifting priorities,
the constant pressure to prove our value… it all adds up. And if
you’re not careful, it can take a serious toll.


Yvonne Xiao has been there. She’s worked at companies like
Microsoft and Uber, navigating the highs and lows of content
design in fast-paced environments. But instead of letting burnout
define her career, she’s figured out how to manage it—by setting
boundaries, redefining success, and embracing a more sustainable
approach to work.


In this episode, we talk about how to recognize burnout before
it’s too late, the mistakes we all make when trying to "push
through," and why setting boundaries isn’t just about saying
no—it’s about knowing your worth.


If you’ve ever felt drained by your work or wondered how to make
content design (or any job in tech) actually sustainable, this
one’s for you.


What we talked about:


How Yvonne transitioned from film school to content design

The early signs of burnout and how to recognize them in
yourself

The biggest mistakes content designers make when trying to
manage burnout

Why setting boundaries is hard—but necessary—for long-term
career success

How imposter syndrome fuels burnout (and how to reframe it)

The importance of community, mentorship, and knowing you’re
not alone

How to build a career in UX without letting it consume your
identity



Notable Quotes:


“Your self-worth isn’t tied to your job. You’re so much more than
the work you do.” 
“The cringe factor is real, but you just have to post it.
Nobody’s going to remember it tomorrow.” 
“Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s layers of ignoring your
own needs until it’s too late.” 


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