When Passion Turns to Burnout: My Journey from Loving Tax Prep to Losing My Way
Alright, let’s dive into a deeply personal chapter of my life—one that took over a decade to unfold. It wasn’t something I saw coming, but when “it” hit, it felt like someone jumping out from behind a corner, scaring me out of my wits. This “it” that I’m talking about? Burnout. But not just any burnout—burnout from something I once loved: tax preparation.
A Love for Taxes That Began Early
Back in September 2010, I officially launched Jericho Tax Consultants after years of freelancing in tax prep. My goal? To help people file their taxes simply, affordably, and quickly. I was driven by a deep fascination with the U.S. tax code, a passion that started back when I was a junior in high school. In fact, it was a tax-related mistake I made in 2012—misclassifying my employment status—that really ignited my desire to dive deeper into the intricacies of tax law.
For the first few years, everything was fine. I kept my business small on purpose, focusing on quality over quantity. I wanted to spend time with each client, truly understanding their unique tax situation. Unlike many in the tax industry, I wasn’t interested in the “churn and burn” approach. But then, 2020 happened…
The Pandemic: A Double-Edged Sword
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a surge in demand for tax services, especially as many tax professionals retired or left the industry. My business nearly doubled in size within a year, and while this growth was exciting, it also set the stage for what would ultimately break me.
Fast forward to 2023, and I found myself facing a new reality: I was burnt out. Usually, by mid-year, I’d be gearing up for the upcoming tax season with enthusiasm, but this time, I felt nothing. No excitement, no drive—just exhaustion. I had been running at full speed for over a decade, without taking time to rest or reflect. The weight of it all—the business, my growing family, and other commitments—was finally too much.
The Breaking Point: Mental, Emotional, and Physical Burnout
By August and September 2023, I realized that I was not okay. My weight had ballooned, I was drinking more than I should, and I was spending way too much time on social media as a distraction. I had reached my breaking point. I was a broken man, struggling to fulfill my obligations to my clients.
In the past, I could handle clients’ unrealistic expectations—like trying to maximize refunds from minimal income or finding loopholes where none existed. But now, those same issues stretched me to the brink of sanity. I was still delivering sound tax guidance, but my heart wasn’t in it.
The Icing on the Cake: Misaligned Fees and Lack of Branding
To make matters worse, I realized that my fees didn’t match the value of my services. This was my fault—I had never thought about the value I was offering. I just wanted to be the most affordable, high-quality tax professional I could be. Big mistake.
I also failed to create a strong brand identity. By not intentionally defining my brand, one was created for me, and it didn’t reflect the focus or value I brought to my clients.
Bringing It All Together: A Hard Lesson Learned
Looking back, this journey has taught me a lot about the dangers of burnout and the importance of aligning your passion with sustainable practices. I’ve learned that while it’s essential to serve your clients well, it’s equally important to take care of yourself and ensure that your business model is sustainable.
If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s that you need to be intentional about your work, your brand, and your well-being. Don’t let burnout sneak up on you. Recognize the signs early, and don’t be afraid to make changes before it’s too late.
Until next time, take care of yourself, and remember—your passion is only as strong as the foundation you build to support it.
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