Burnout expert and mental health advocate Dorothy Herson knows firsthand how toxic workplace cultures can push young professionals to the brink. During her grueling training contract at an elite London law firm, she pushed herself to extremes—until a devastating breakdown landed her in a psychiatric hospital. Now, she’s on a mission to help other women recognize the warning signs of burnout, break free from the pressure to overachieve, and reclaim their work-life balance. In this episode, Dorothy shares insights from her new novel, The Rag Doll Contract, which exposes the burnout crisis in high-powered law firms. We discuss why young professionals—especially women—are increasingly struggling with stress, the tell-tale signs of burnout, and whether giving less of ourselves to work could be the key to lasting wellbeing. SheCanCode is a collaborative community of women in tech working together to tackle the tech gender gap. Join our community to find a supportive network, opportunities, guidance and jobs, so you can excel in your tech career.