Episode 031: From Big Law Burnout to Building Your Dream Life with Rhia Batchelder
Listen, I am so excited to share this conversation with you. I sat down with Rhia Batchelder, a former big law attorney turned burnout coach and corporate wellness speaker, and we dove deep into something I know so many of you are experiencing right now - that exhausting cycle of working yourself into the ground.
Here's what I love about Rhia's story: she didn't just escape burnout, she transformed her entire understanding of what it means to show up for yourself. And the insights she shared? They're going to change how you think about self-care, boundaries, and building a life that actually feels good.
The Big Law Breakdown That Changed Everything
Rhia spent six years in complex commercial litigation, working those brutal 14-hour days that big law firms demand. But here's what happened - and I bet you'll recognize these symptoms: exhaustion, irritability, brain fog, decreased focus, and that grinding feeling that motivation was just gone.
"I felt like I could not take another direction from another manager who I didn't respect," Rhia told me. "I couldn't imagine going back into a regular job."
Sound familiar? You know how I feel about that moment when you realize the traditional path isn't serving you anymore. Rhia reached that breaking point in 2020 when her firm basically said, "Work 14-hour days or you're failing." Instead of conforming, she chose herself.
Why We're All Burning Out (Spoiler: It's Not Just Your Job)
Here's what Rhia taught me that I want you to understand: burnout isn't just about work stress. As women, we're burning out at significantly higher rates than men because we've been conditioned away from our own voices and needs.
"We are constantly chasing external approval," Rhia explained. "We should be this, we should be that, you should be getting married at this age, having babies, oh but now you're working too much, how dare you not be with your kids."
I see this with my clients all the time. You're the strong friend, the one everyone comes to when their world falls apart, but nobody ever asks how you're doing. Being strong leads to resentment because you're carrying everyone else's emotional load while your own needs get ignored.
The Phone-Free Morning Revolution
One of the most practical things Rhia shared was her morning routine philosophy. You know what research shows us? If you reach for your phone first thing, you get your dopamine that way and you'll be chasing that same relationship with your phone all day long.
Rhia's non-negotiables include getting sunlight first thing (amazing for circadian rhythm), meditation to help her respond less to stress, and mindset journaling. But here's what I love - she's not prescriptive about it.
"You don't need to do an eight step morning routine," she said. "If you're shaming yourself when you can't maintain something, you're not going to continue trying."
This is so important, especially for my ADHD girlies. Your lifestyle changes should not dominate your thoughts. Make choices that actually make you feel good, not because some influencer told you it would fix all your problems.
If you want more insights like this delivered straight to your inbox, make sure you sign up for my newsletter at https://mindsetmelanie.com/newsletter - I share the research and strategies that are actually working for neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
The Energy Work Connection
We also talked about something that might surprise you - the scientific connection between humans and trees. There's actual research showing that trees have the same photoreceptors we have in our eyeballs. When you get within a certain distance of a tree, you're literally exchanging negative ions for positive ones. Your force fields combine and clear out your energetic field.
Rhia has a favorite tree named Angus (yes, she asked him his name), and she touches trees constantly as part of her stress management. "It's just been an instinctual thing," she said.
Building Boundaries Without Burning Bridges
Here's something Rhia said that really stuck with me: "If they cannot handle your no, they were comfortable abusing your yes."
When you start showing up for yourself and setting boundaries, some people are going to fall away. That's not a bug, it's a feature. You're not responsible for other people's reactions to your self-care.
"I think part of self care is learning to step away from people who don't fit you anymore," Rhia explained. "That definitely happens when you start showing up for yourself and doing personal development."
The Reality of Online Trolls (And Why They Target Strong Women)
We had a real conversation about the attacks we both face online - especially from men who can't handle women with opinions taking up space. Rhia gets comments about her voice, her appearance, anything to try to discredit her expertise.
Here's what I want you to remember: if you're being your full self as a powerful woman, you're going to put some people off. That has to be okay with you. The vitriol towards women with opinions is real, but it says everything about them and nothing about you.
Preventing Burnout Before It Happens
Rhia's biggest piece of wisdom? "It's much easier to prevent burnout than it is to heal from it."
Start now with small things:
Stay off your phone first thing in the morning
Create space where you're not running through your mental to-do list
Find something physical that totally takes you out of your head
Ask yourself what you actually need in every situation
Remember, these are skills you can build over time. It might take years, but little baby steps is always the way.
Your Next Steps
If you're recognizing yourself in Rhia's story, know that you can climb your way out of burnout. Start with one small change that feels realistic and good for you. Not because some dude with a podcast told you to, but because it actually serves your life.
And if you're ready to dive deeper into building a business and life that doesn't burn you out, I'm here to support you. Check out Rhia's work and remember - you get to show up exactly as you are and see who likes you.
Connect with Rhia Batchelder:
