When Work Becomes Your Whole Identity (and How to Take It Back)

From Career Contessa by Career Contessa

May 5, 2026 · 39 min · Episode 321

About this episode

Psychologist Guy Winch discusses the challenges of work stress and how to reclaim mental space.

Ever feel like work doesn’t end when you close your laptop? Psychologist and TED speaker Guy Winch joins Lauren to explain why work stress is so hard to switch off—and how to reclaim your mental space without hurting your career, drawing from his book Mind Over Grind. You’ll learn: Why high performers are especially vulnerable to burnout The psychology behind Sunday dread and work rumination Simple boundaries that help you disconnect from work and recover Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Guy Winch: https://www.guywinch.com/ Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life: https://www.guywinch.com/books/mind-over-grind/   Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors: Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Open a Found account for FREE at found.com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member…