Sarah Nicholls: from A&E shifts to burnout coach

Development Nerds with Candice Mitchell

When Dr. Sarah Nicholls hit the wall in her first year as a doctor, she did what most high-achievers do: pushed harder. That only made the burnout worse. In this conversation, Sarah shares how a toxic work culture, night shifts, and perfectionism turned life into a slog—and how she found her way back to lightness, joy, and sustainable success. (Plot twist: she also launched a mini business painting people’s pets to pay for med school. 🐶🎨)

We talk about:

• spotting burnout early (before it nukes your confidence)
• the stigma of stepping off the “straight-line” career ladder in medicine
• choosing a locum path for autonomy and recovery
• building community, asking for help, and why your “hype-girl playlist” matters
• adding micro-joy at work so healthcare doesn’t swallow your life
• 
  

If you’re a healthcare professional, resident, junior doctor, nurse, or any human who feels stuck in grind culture, this is your sign to rethink “work harder” and choose “work lighter.”

Free resource Sarah mentioned: “Switch Off” masterclass (link in description).

Get to know Sarah:

Life coach helping people recover from burnout.

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram: @SarahNicholls

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sarahnicholls

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com