Surviving Burnout: The Bisaya Way

From someone still in the middle of it

Hey fellow freelancers,

I’m writing to you straight from the trenches of freelance burnout. Yep, I’m here, exhausted and barely able to get through the day without my third (or fifth) episode of whatever Netflix show I have on (and let’s be real, it’s pulling me in more every hour). And if you’re reading this because you’re feeling the same, kuyawa, kabalo diay ta mag-experience ani (scary that we actually go through this, right?). The struggle is real, and when it hits, it feels like wala na gyud koy gana (I’ve got no motivation left at all). So here I am… surviving - or trying to… make sense of it all.

For all the glamour of freelancing – the freedom to work from anywhere, to choose projects you love, and being your own boss – there’s a silent, heavy side that no one really talks about: the grind, the isolation, and the never ending amount of work that needs to get done. The honest truth? Burnout in freelancing hits differently. Because as much as we’d love to complain to a boss and clock out, we are the boss. So as someone who’s sunog na sunog na jud intawun (totally burnt out), I thought I’d share some of my thoughts in an attempt to understand and make it through whatever it is you call what I’m going through right now.

Netflix Responsibly

I’ll be the first to admit it: binge-watching Netflix is my guilty pleasure, especially when life feels like it’s spinning out of control. There’s something about diving into another world that helps me hit the reset button. Sometimes, after a long day, I convince myself that “just one episode” will be the thing that finally brings me back to life. Of course, we all know how that turns out—one episode becomes two, two becomes five, and suddenly I’m on a first-name basis with the characters! But honestly, I’ve realized that if I’m careful with how I structure this time, it can actually boost my productivity instead of draining it.

I’m learning that Netflix doesn’t have to be a productivity enemy; it can absolutely be a well-deserved reward. Here’s what I’m currently doing: I try to finish a chunk of work before I let myself indulge in an episode or two—it’s like my personal pat on the back for making it through the tough stuff. This little routine gives me something to look forward to and a way to recharge without falling into the endless scroll. I’ve also set aside one full day a week, guilt-free, just for Netflix. It’s my version of a mini-vacation, where I can zone out and recharge with no strings attached. I used to go to the cinemas every weekend. Now, I’ve got my own setup, and it’s just as good—minus the overpriced popcorn and lost shawarma during bag inspections.

One way I keep myself from slipping into full-on binge mode is simple: I stick to one episode—two max, depending on the length. No need for a timer or any complicated system; it’s just a limit I’ve set for myself. Kumbaga, I let myself enjoy it completely for that one or two episodes, and then I pull back and get back to work (at least, most of the time!). Murag budget ra gihapon, but instead of money, I’m budgeting episodes. Dili lalim usahay muhunong (It’s not easy to stop), especially when the plot gets intense, but stopping while I still have that “refreshed” feeling makes the next task a little easier to tackle.

As a horror fan, I go for whatever floats my boat—thrillers, ghost stories, psychological twists—pero di lang horror akong tan-awon (but horror isn’t all I watch). Sometimes I’m in the mood for a good comedy, a drama, or even a mind-expanding documentary. Basta, anything that fits the vibe I’m going for that day, I’m there for it. And while I’ll never say no to a solid horror binge, I know there’s a balance to keep, kay kung permi lang ta magpakuyaw-kuyaw, trabaho na nuon ang mahimong scary part sa adlaw (if I’m always indulging in thrills, work itself becomes the scary part of the day).

So yeah, Netflix is definitely part of my self-care routine, but I Netflix responsibly, just like the ads say. Drink responsibly? Well, since I don’t drink, that doesn’t exactly apply… but Netflix responsibly? Now that’s my kind of advice.

Short to do lists are okay and very much appreciated

I know that urge to conquer the entire world in one day nga murag gusto nimo i-claim ang crown sa pagka-most-productive freelancer of the year (like you want to claim the crown for being the most productive freelancer of the year). Freelancers, especially, have this thing where we feel like if we’re not working at full capacity, if we’re not knocking out massive amounts of tasks, then somehow, we’re being “lazy.” But let’s be real – that mindset is just not sustainable.

So here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: make your to-do list small – gamay ra gyud, as in, 1–3 main tasks. You read that right. Just 1 to 3 tasks for the day. I know, it sounds almost too simple, but I’m trying it out, and it’s kind of mind-blowing. When I focus on just a few key things, I actually finish them, and that sense of completion gives me way more energy than a long, never-ending list ever did. I’ve also started adding small, manageable tasks, like “make coffee” or “clear one email.” It might sound funny, but crossing off even these little things does wonders for my motivation. It’s like giving myself permission to breathe, without the pressure of a million unchecked boxes hanging over my head. Sometimes, just starting with something tiny—a quick email or that first cup of coffee—feels like a gentle push to get the day rolling. And honestly, it’s making a big difference.

And here’s a little hack: break your tasks down into even smaller steps. If “finish project” sounds huge, try “write one paragraph” or “create a quick outline.” Dili kinahanglan whole project, kay bisag gamay lang, forward na gihapon ka. (It doesn’t need to be the whole project, because even small steps move you forward.) Every tiny task ticked off brings you closer to the end goal without overwhelming you. Plus, let’s be honest, seeing that little checkmark next to each mini-task feels ridiculously good.

Remember, productivity isn’t about how many things you can cram into one day; it’s about consistently showing up, day after day. Keeping it short helps your energy from hitting zero or, worse, going into the negative zone where every little thing feels like a massive mountain. Every little bit helps in burnout mode, so give yourself permission to go easy on your list.

So if today’s to-do list says,
1. Drink coffee,
2. Open one email,
3. Stretch for 2 minutes,

then hey – congrats, na-achieve na nimo imong list! (congrats, you’ve already accomplished your list!).

Let’s make peace with the fact that we don’t have to be heroes every day. We don’t have to be climbing mountains or achieving the impossible. Kay usahay, ang nakadaog gyud kay ang tao nga nakasurvive og nakasmile gihapon at the end of the day. (Sometimes, the real winner is the person who survives the day with a smile.) I’m still learning… it’s a work in progress. :)

The Magic of the “Wala’y Lami Day”

Let’s be real: some days, life just feels off. Work? Wala’y lami. Goals? Ambot nalang. Everything feels like a challenge just to survive. I’ve had plenty of those days—days where I’m usually productive and sharp, but burnout has me feeling like I’m failing at everything, murag zero sa test sa school (like flunking a test). No matter how much I push, burnout doesn’t care. It brings that heavy “what’s the point?” feeling, and the harder I try to push through it, the worse it gets. It’s like I’m in a tug-of-war, but honestly, burnout wins if I don’t let go a bit.

On these “wala’y lami” days, I feel like I should push myself anyway—especially as a freelancer, thinking every single day has to count. There’s this pressure that if I let one day slide, I’m failing or letting someone down. But here’s what I’ve come to realize: mas grabe ang efekto sa burnout if I keep forcing it (burnout only hits harder if I keep pushing). Sometimes, the most productive thing I can do is… nothing at all. It’s tempting to tell myself, “Sige, gamay na lang” (just a little bit more), but I’m learning that burnout doesn’t magically solve itself just by pushing through.

So when those “wala’y lami” days hit and even checking my email feels impossible, I’m trying to let myself just be. I don’t push productivity on these days. Instead, I treat them like “light days” and remind myself it’s okay to just take a break, murag cellphone nga lowbat na kaayo (like a phone that’s totally drained). Sometimes, just sitting quietly or watching the world from my window helps a bit, as long as I don’t pressure myself to be superhuman.

If all I manage is one small thing, that’s okay. Bisan unsa ra akong kaya, okay ra gyud na (whatever I can manage, that’s perfectly okay). Maybe I’ll answer one email, organize my space, or jot down a plan for tomorrow. Honestly, getting through a burnout day is a win. Sometimes, surviving the day is the biggest victory.

And you know what? These “wala’y lami” days don’t last forever. Maabot ra gyud ang adlaw nga mubalik akong gana ug energy (my energy and motivation will come back). Like the tides, my energy rises and falls, and I’m learning that’s just part of it. I often get my best ideas after letting myself fully rest. So now, I’m letting myself sip that coffee, sit back, and take things slow. Ugma napud ang hustle (the hustle can wait for tomorrow). Just getting through today is already more than enough.

More to come…

This isn't the end... I'll write more as I navigate through the experience and learn stuff along the way. I have a lot more to say, and I’m willing to keep sharing the real, unfiltered journey—the wins, the burnout, and all the quiet in-betweens.

If this resonates with you, I’m here, just a friendly note away. We’re in this together, each figuring out our own version of balance, one small step at a time. And if all we do today is survive with a little kindness for ourselves, that’s already something worth celebrating.

Until next time, keep going. We’re making progress, even when it feels slow.