NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast

Episode: Feeling Burned Out? How to Know When to Quit Your Job — and What to Do First
Hosts: Sean Pyles, CFP® & Elizabeth Ayoola
Guest: Tess Vigeland (producer & author)
Date: October 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode digs into one of the most stressful crossroads in any career: knowing when it’s time to quit your job, especially when burnout takes hold. With both financial and personal angles in focus, the hosts (Sean and Elizabeth) answer a listener’s real-world dilemma, exploring the merits and pitfalls of “quiet quitting,” strategic off-ramps, and making bold leaps into the unknown. Special guest Tess Vigeland adds firsthand expertise, sharing lessons from her own drastic career pivot plus insights gained from writing a book about quitting without a backup plan.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What’s in Your Wallet? (02:13–13:17)

• Segment Purpose: Icebreaker on money habits and wallet contents, revealing deeper attitudes towards personal finance.
• Sean’s Wallet:
  • Organized, multi-card strategy (travel and cash-back cards), real ID, Metro card, sentimental items (fortune cookie slip), and keeps cash on hand for emergencies.
  • “Well, here’s a little tip for you. I keep around $500 of cash in my house at all times for worst case scenarios like that.” (05:54)
  • Sean stresses having backup plans for the unexpected.
• Elizabeth’s Wallet/Car:
  • Wallet often left in her car, carries just two cards while traveling (ID & Amex Platinum).
  • Rotates cards for maximizing rewards based on spending cycles and card closing dates.
  • Admits to chaotic storage and some risky behavior (“I keep my wallet in my car at all times…” 09:29).
  • Sentimental item: keeps a fortune cookie slip in her car.
  • A single dollar bill doesn’t impress her son due to inflation (12:11).
  • Quirky items: a melting emergency candle from her dad.
• Notable Quotable:
  “My car is my wallet.” – Elizabeth (11:37)

2. The Listener’s Dilemma: Burnout, Quiet Quitting, and When to Leap (16:13–24:59)

Listener “Angel’s” Situation:

• 29, no kids, recently relocated for fiancé’s job.
• High-earning, remote tech worker, but facing serious burnout and mental health challenges.
• Substantial savings ($500k+ per person) and “FIRE” goals (Financial Independence, Retire Early).
• Wants to switch careers (school or real estate), but fiancé urges caution, suggesting quiet quitting while figuring things out.
• Angel’s Quote:
  “I’d rather be clear with my employer and start my new journey with a clean slate and no burnout or burned bridges.” (16:13)

Hosts’ Reactions:

• Defining “Quiet Quitting”:
  Doing only the bare minimum at work, not stepping above and beyond, not fully engaged. (17:25)
• Sean: Sees benefits: “Sometimes it can make sense to step back and not be the overachiever… I think that sometimes it can make sense to step back and not be the overachiever.” (18:08)
• Elizabeth: Notes humans aren’t robots—burnout is real and common. (18:49)

3. Quiet Quitting—Pros and Cons (20:03–22:35)

Pros

• Work-Life Balance:
  “A main pro that comes to mind is better work, life balance and less burnout. I think that’s something everyone should strive for.” – Sean (20:30)
• Reduced Stress: Less pressure to constantly overperform.
• Room for Other Life Pursuits: Quiet quitting frees up energy for hobbies, relationships, and personal growth.

Cons

• Potential for Negative Reputation:
  “If you already have set the standard of being someone who is maybe an over performer… a sudden change in your output could reflect negatively on you…” – Elizabeth (21:33)

• Weakened Referrals: Underperformance may reduce chances for strong references in future job hunts.

• Unfulfillment: Doing less than you’re capable of can sap engagement and workplace satisfaction.

• Key Takeaway: Quiet quitting is a temporary strategy, not a permanent solution.

4. Alternatives to Quiet Quitting: Reducing Workload Strategically (23:10–24:34)

• Open Conversations: Approach your manager to discuss adjusting responsibilities during periods of high stress.
• Leverage AI or Contractors: Automate or outsource repetitive, non-core tasks.
• Take a Lateral Move: Consider less demanding roles within the organization if available.
• Plan Systematically: Don’t jeopardize your professional reputation if you intend to return to the workforce.

5. Considering the Labor Market and Long-Term Career Security (24:34–24:59)

• Caution around quitting with nothing lined up:
  “Quitting without having anything lined up is a really risky move for a lot of people, and it’s one that I’m pretty wary of.” – Sean (24:59)
• Economic uncertainty makes in-demand roles harder to regain; always weigh industry trends before making a leap.

6. Expert Insight: Tess Vigeland on Quitting Without a Backup Plan (25:12–37:59)

Tess’s Background & Story (25:12–29:57)

• Career Pivot:
  Former NPR personal finance show host, left a dream job abruptly after persistent emotional strain and unmanageable work environment.
• Little Financial Planning:
  “I had not really thought about doing this, so I hadn’t really planned for it… but sometimes you can’t help yourself.” – Tess (26:53)
• Backup:
  • Two-person household (married at the time), supportive freelance network, eventual book deal provided income bridge.
  • Advocates: “Do as I say, not as I did—save for the eventuality of something like this. Call it a freedom fund, because that’s really what it is.” (31:31)
• Transferable Skills:
  “You kind of forget how good you are at something because it’s become just part of your DNA… really valuable outside of what you do.” (29:22)

Lessons from Tess and Others Who’ve Quit (29:57–34:11)

• Physical Warning Signs:
  Burnout often manifests as health issues—listen to your body.
• Self-Respect:
  Leave when you have “too much self respect to stay.”
• Preparation:
  Even if savings aren’t the only concern (especially with a partner), always have an “emergency/freedom fund.”
• Identity Beyond Work:
  Build interests outside your primary job—crucial when you leave work or retire.

Re-Entering the Workforce (34:11–34:33; 32:49)

• Difficulty depends on industry, economic cycle, and strength of personal network.
• Tess’s experience: Mixed freelance and contract work, allowed a gradual return, but cautions that now may be less forgiving job market.

7. Final Advice for Angel (34:22–37:59)

• Give Yourself Breathing Room:
  “Give yourself a little bit of time between when you leap—when you make this decision—and when you go on to the next thing… Most people don’t do that… they’re not giving themselves the opportunity for a little bit of self reflection.” – Tess (34:35)
• Quiet Quitting Debate:
  • Tess: “I would say no. I don’t think it’s helpful. I think as you guys outlined earlier, it’s just going to make you feel crappy… Just make a decision, don’t just draw it out for yourself.” (36:11)
  • Sean: “This is where we disagree, Tess, because I actually think quiet quitting can be really helpful… I think there’s a time and a place for it, but you just don’t want to get caught by your boss.” (36:41)
• Industry Specifics Matter: Quiet quitting and quitting outright are not equally feasible in every field; risk tolerance should be adjusted accordingly.
• Emphasize Self-Reflection after quitting before jumping straight to the next commitment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fortune Cookies and Sentimentality:
  “Because I’m sentimental and I believe in the power of serendipity. And I just thought it was really charming and sweet and loving is sharing rainbows of happiness.” – Sean (06:53)
• On Work and Identity:
  “Get yourself an identity outside of what you do for a living… we identify ourselves so much with what we do for work—and that’s not all we are.” – Tess (31:31)
• On Boundaries and Burnout:
  “There’s this pressure that some people put on themselves or people’s employers put on them to be constantly performing and outperforming… Maybe working more than eight hours a day and not really having a lot of room for other aspects of your life...” – Sean (20:30)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• What's In Your Wallet? — Introductions & Money Habits: 02:13–13:17
• Listener Dilemma — Burnout and Quitting: 16:13–24:59
• Pros & Cons of Quiet Quitting: 20:03–22:35
• Alternatives and Practical Strategies: 23:10–24:34
• Expert Segment with Tess Vigeland: 25:12–37:59
• Debate: Quiet Quitting or Not? 36:06–37:59

Overall Tone & Style

Warm, candid, and pragmatic. Hosts share personal stories and vulnerabilities, disagree respectfully, and always circle back to practical steps, empathy, and evidence. Tess’s guest segment adds lived wisdom and gentle humor to a challenging subject.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Build your ‘freedom fund’ early, even if you’re not planning to quit soon.
2. Check in with your physical and emotional health—burnout often “speaks” through your body first.
3. If you’re considering quiet quitting, set clear boundaries and avoid damaging future references.
4. Use transitional time intentionally—reflect before rushing into the next commitment.
5. Recognize your transferable skills; don’t undervalue your professional experience.
6. Accept that career changes look different in every industry and economic climate—tailor your risk accordingly.

For anyone wrestling with the tension between financial ambition and personal wellbeing, this episode provides reassurance, candor, and real strategies to help you land on your feet—however you choose to leap.