Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honor — It’s a Control Problem

Burnout has become normalized in modern work culture, but what if it’s actually the clearest signal that something underneath is broken?In this episode of Happiness Sold Separately, Jason talks with business strategist and author Nicole Chiclana about why long hours don’t equal loyalty, why “being indispensable” is a dangerous myth, and how companies slowly lose their humanity when systems matter more than people.Nicole explains why unresolved problems quietly become culture, why leaders must stop measuring success purely by output, and how businesses can build structures that allow people to thrive instead of survive. This is a conversation for founders, managers, and anyone who’s ever felt trapped by responsibility or afraid to disconnect.If you’re questioning the way work has been sold to you, this episode will resonate deeply.