Burnout. It’s the unspoken weight many of our clients carry when they first come to us. They’re high-achieving professionals with impressive titles—CEO, CFO, COO, VP—or leaders in law, medicine, and tech. They’ve spent years excelling, juggling major responsibilities at work and home. Many are raising children, supporting aging parents, and giving their all to causes they care about.
But lately, a common sentiment has surfaced: I can’t keep this up forever.
They want something different—a way to maintain their ambition while reclaiming their lives. If you’re a mid-life professional with whom this resonates, you’re not alone. Burnout doesn’t have to be the end of the story. It can be the beginning of something better. This guide offers a glimpse into how we help our clients—individuals like you—create lives that align with their values, priorities, and dreams.
Burnout: A Common Crossroads for High Achievers
Let me tell you about “Sarah.” Sarah is a 47-year-old tech executive with two school-aged kids. She’s been on a rocket ship trajectory in her career, earning well into six figures, but she hasn’t taken a real vacation in years. When she finally sat down with us, she admitted she was exhausted. “I don’t even know what I want anymore,” she said. “I just know I can’t keep going like this.”
What Sarah was experiencing is something we see often among our clients. They’ve achieved what society defines as success but are too drained to enjoy it. Many live here in Portland, OR, a place they chose for its quality of life and connection to nature. They dream of hiking in the mountains, unwinding at the coast, or simply spending a carefree afternoon with their kids. But when you’re working 60-hour weeks, those dreams stay dreams.
If you’re in a similar position, the first step is acknowledging the need for change. It’s not about abandoning your ambition; it’s about redefining success.
Step 1: Start with a Vision (and Permission)
One of the first things we do with clients is encourage them to imagine life differently. This begins with permitting yourself to want something else.
Take “Matt,” a lawyer in his early 50s. He came to us feeling stuck—professionally successful but personally unfulfilled. He felt tied down by a big mortgage, his kids’ private school tuition, and a demanding job. We asked him a simple question: What would your ideal life look like if nothing were holding you back?
For Matt, it was more time for his family and a career that felt purposeful without being all-consuming. That vision became the foundation of his plan.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
Redefining your life requires clarity. That’s why we spend a lot of time upfront asking thoughtful questions like:
- What does money mean to you?
- What do you want it to accomplish for your family and your future?
- What’s causing you stress or keeping you up at night?
- What are you working toward—beyond your career?
These questions help uncover values that might not always be obvious. For some, it’s funding their children’s education or traveling the world. For others, it’s contributing to causes they’re passionate about, like sustainability or social justice. These insights guide every step of the planning process.
Step 3: Build a Flexible Plan
Once we’ve identified your values and priorities, we start building the plan. It’s not about creating a rigid roadmap but crafting a flexible framework that evolves with your life.
For instance, Sarah realized she didn’t want to retire fully but needed a more sustainable pace. We introduced her to the idea of a “little r” retirement—a gradual transition that allowed her to reduce her workload while pursuing interests she’d sidelined for years. For her, that meant consulting part-time and spending more time hiking with her kids. Financially, rather than being forced to retire due to sheer exhaustion, she was able to pursue work that was meaningful but still provided a level of income and crucial benefits, like health insurance, that enabled her to postpone drawing from her investment assets.
This kind of plan is dynamic. We test different scenarios, adjust for unexpected changes, and ensure it aligns with your financial goals.
Step 4: Embrace Tradeoffs and Adjustments
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s expected. Whether it’s a market downturn, an unexpected layoff, or a shift in your priorities, we help clients evaluate tradeoffs and make adjustments.
Take “Jessica,” a physician who loves to travel but felt obligated to spend time at the beach house she bought several years ago. As she saw her maintenance costs continue to rise and the headaches of managing a second home becoming more than she could deal with, we explored the idea of selling the beach home together. Instead of tethering her valuable finances and vacation time to one property, we determined an annual travel fund that provided Jessica the freedom and flexibility she craved.
At its core, financial planning is about understanding the levers you can pull—how long you work, how much you save, how much you spend, and how you invest. Balancing these factors helps create a fulfilling and financially sustainable life.
Step 5: Celebrate the Journey
It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but celebrating the journey is just as important. Many of our clients are deeply grateful for the opportunities they have and want to give back. We often help them channel this gratitude into meaningful philanthropy, whether through donor-advised funds or other avenues.
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Why Portland, Why Now?
Portland, like our clients, is at a crossroads. Once celebrated as a vibrant, thriving city, it’s faced its share of challenges in recent years. But the tide is turning. With a stunning new airport, a growing food scene, and the promise of a WNBA team, Portland is reclaiming its identity.
And so can you. Just as Portland is finding its footing, you have the opportunity to design a life that reflects your values and priorities. Burnout isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something better. Let’s take that step together. Reach out and schedule an introductory call. We’re here to help.
Uplevel Wealth is a fee-only, fiduciary wealth management firm serving clients in Portland, OR, and virtually throughout the U.S.
