Meet James Harris: My story from IT Burnout to Breakthrough

22 years old, fresh out of university, excited to start my career in IT. That’s where my story begins. After years of study, I was full of hope and ready to make my mark.

Just eight months in, that hope came crashing down.

That experience left me questioning everything — my career, my future, and even my sense of self. But what hit me hardest was realizing this wasn’t just about work — burnout was seeping into every corner of my life.

The Email That Changed Everything

Out of nowhere, my team got the dreaded message—we were being TUPE’d into another company. No discussion, no option. Just a decision made for us.

A short while later, I sat at our farewell meal, listening to the program director reassure us not to worry. After all, he was staying with the original company.

I remember thinking: “Well, that’s nice for you… but what about the rest of us?”

Shuffled Like Numbers on a Spreadsheet

We weren’t people with careers and dreams. We were just numbers—handed over like office furniture.

Still, I stuck with it. I had bills to pay. And to be honest, the new company wasn’t terrible. But deep down, I knew something was off.

Moving Jobs—But the Fog Followed

I moved from one role to another. On paper, my career was progressing—but inside, I was running on empty.

The work felt meaningless. I kept thinking, “Does it even matter if I do this… or if anyone else does?”

The Moment It All Came Crashing Down

Then my manager left. No handover, no support—just a pile of extra work dumped on my desk. At my annual review, I got glowing feedback—but no raise.

Seriously?

Every day felt like Groundhog Day: grey train, grey office, grey walls, grey faces.

That’s when it hit me: If I didn’t make a change, I was looking at 48,300 hours of my life spent like this.

The Grey Fog Took Over My Life

And it wasn’t just work. That burnout seeped into everything.

I was constantly on edge. Short-tempered. Exhausted. The grey fog followed me home, filling every corner of my mind.

One night, I ended up curled on the living room floor—completely drained, dreading tomorrow.

It never even crossed my mind to ask for help. I thought this was normal.

The Wake-Up Call

Over time, it dawned on me—this wasn’t normal at all.

I didn’t want to just push through. I wanted to understand how I got here… and how to make sure it never happened again.

That search led me somewhere unexpected: Counseling.

Not only did it help me find my own way forward—it opened the door to something even bigger. Helping others break free from burnout and build careers that actually mean something.

That moment didn’t just change my career — it set me on a whole new path. One that combined everything I’d learned about burnout, recovery, and purpose into a coaching approach designed to help others break free and build careers that truly fit who they are.

From Burnout to Breakthrough—And Now, Helping You Do the Same

Now, as an accredited counselor and coach, I work with professionals just like you—people who feel stuck in the same grey fog I once knew.

Together, we create a way forward. One step at a time.

How I Help You Move from Burnout to Breakthrough

Once you’ve hit burnout, it’s easy to feel stuck—like you’re spinning your wheels with no clear way forward. That’s why my coaching process is structured, step-by-step, and designed specifically for professionals who’ve been where you are.

We Start with Where You Are Right Now

Whether you’re deep in burnout, stuck in career confusion, or just know something needs to change, we begin by understanding exactly what’s going on. No judgment—just clarity.

We Build Practical Tools That Fit Your Life

This isn’t just “talk about your feelings” coaching. You’ll get practical strategies you can use immediately—tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and rebuild your energy without overhauling your entire life overnight.

We Create Your Personal Roadmap

Once we’ve built the foundation, we work together to create a clear, personalized roadmap that fits your goals—whether that’s finding a more fulfilling career, recovering your energy, or both.

We Keep It Real—and Flexible

Life happens. Burnout recovery and career change aren’t linear journeys—and that’s okay. Our work adjusts to what’s happening for you each week, so you always feel supported (without adding more pressure).

You’ll Leave with Confidence, Clarity & A Plan That Works

By the time we’re done, you’ll have more than just insights—you’ll have a real plan you feel good about following, and the skills to stay resilient, clear, and confident long after coaching ends.

You deserve more than just another quick fix. Whether you’re running on empty, questioning your career path, or ready for a complete reset, my tailored coaching packages are designed specifically for IT professionals like you. Each package combines practical strategies, personal insights, and real-world tools to help you break free from burnout and build a career that truly fits you.

Explore the options below and find the coaching journey that meets you exactly where you are.

---

Explore My Coaching Packages

Your career breakthrough starts with the right support. Whether you’re battling burnout, unsure about your next career step, or craving a complete transformation, there’s a coaching package designed for you.

Thrive Beyond Burnout: Burnout Recovery Coaching

For IT professionals who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stuck in a cycle of burnout. This coaching package helps you rebuild energy, set boundaries, and protect your well-being for good.

🎯 What You’ll Achieve at a Glance

• Identify your biggest stress triggers and create a personal stress management plan.
• Improve your sleep quality and set clear digital boundaries to recharge fully.
• Build work-life balance habits that support long-term health and career success.
• Challenge negative self-talk and rewrite the stories that fuel burnout.
• Develop a burnout prevention plan to protect your energy moving forward.

The Career Compass Program: Career Clarity Coaching

For IT professionals who want to change careers but feel stuck, confused, or afraid to take the first step. This coaching package helps you find purpose, gain clarity, and confidently pursue a fulfilling career path.

🎯 What You’ll Achieve at a Glance

• Overcome fear and limiting beliefs holding you back from career change.
• Clarify your core values, strengths, and passions to guide your next step.
• Explore new career paths with structured exercises and coaching.
• Use proven decision-making tools to narrow your options with confidence.
• Create a personalized career transition plan to move forward with purpose.

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Complete Career & Life Transformation

For IT professionals who want to fully recover from burnout and design a career (and life) that excites them. This package combines burnout recovery, career clarity, and personal transformation into one seamless journey.

🎯 What You’ll Achieve at a Glance

• Heal from burnout and rediscover your passions.
• Break through limiting beliefs and self-doubt.
• Design a purpose-driven career aligned with your values and aspirations.
• Build lasting resilience so you stay energized long-term.
• Receive post-program career transition support to ensure sustainable success.

Your breakthrough is closer than you think. Let’s work together to create a career and life that fits who you really are — no more burnout, no more second-guessing. Book your free consultation now and take the first step toward real clarity, energy, and purpose.

Book Your Free Consultation

---

Who I Am Beyond Coaching

Outside of coaching, I’m passionate about personal growth in every form.

I practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, enjoy weightlifting, and unwind with LitRPG books. I also love studying topics like critical thinking, strategy, psychology, and biology—constantly learning to bring new insights into my coaching.

My work is rooted in self-awareness, intuition, and determination. Clients often describe me as resourceful and inspiring, and I strive to be known for my empathy, leadership, and pragmatic approach.

I hold an MA in Psychotherapy from London Metropolitan University and a BACP-accredited Diploma in Counselling from the Gestalt Centre in London.

As an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I’m committed to delivering ethical, high-quality coaching tailored to your needs.

So what sets my coaching apart from generic career advice or standard therapy? It’s built for IT professionals who need practical solutions — from someone who’s walked that same road.

---

What Makes My Coaching Different

• Step-by-Step Guidance: You’ll follow a clear, proven process tailored to your unique needs.
• Empathy and Insight: I’ve been where you are. I understand burnout and how to overcome it.
• Actionable Strategies: You’ll use practical tools that move you forward—not just conversation.
• Ongoing Support: You’ll receive continued guidance after the program to keep you on track.

---

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Your Breakthrough?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Together, we can build a clear path forward — one that brings back your energy, confidence, and sense of purpose.

Your next step starts here:

Book Your Free Consultation