Sam Hoyle (@harmonyaccounting) is an experienced Chartered Accountant (ICAEW accredited) and Financial Strategist with over 10 years experience of helping business owners maximise profit to fund their dream life.
There’s a lot of conversation in the tech world about burnout.
There’s a lot of conversation in the tech world about burnout.We talk about workload, the pressure to constantly perform, and the demands of building a career in a fast-moving space. But one thing that often gets overlooked? The financial side of wellbeing.
As a financial strategist and accountant who works closely with women in tech from freelance developers to digital consultants and startup founders I’ve seen first-hand how money stress silently contributes to burnout. When you’re overdelivering, undercharging, or constantly saying yes to work because you’re afraid of not having enough, it chips away at your energy and confidence. Over time, it’s exhausting.
But here’s the good news: setting financial boundaries isn’t just good business. It’s self-care.
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Bank Account
Many women in tech, especially those who freelance or run their own businesses, aren’t paying themselves properly. They’re reinvesting everything, keeping prices low to stay competitive, or avoiding money conversations altogether because it feels awkward or intimidating.
But consistently putting yourself last financially is a fast track to burnout. You start resenting the work you once loved, simply because it no longer feels sustainable.
The shift starts with one simple question: what do I need to earn to feel safe, well, and supported? From there, you can build pricing, payment terms, and services that support your wellbeing, not just your income.
Financial Strategy Brings Mental Clarity
A clear financial plan does more than help you hit goals. It reduces anxiety. When you know what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what you need to feel secure, you make decisions from a place of calm, not fear.
That might look like:
- Creating a monthly baseline income target that includes your take-home pay.
- Forecasting your cash flow so you can spot problems early.
- Setting boundaries with clients around payment terms, scope, and availability.
It’s not about over complicated spreadsheets for the sake of it, it’s about using your numbers to build a business (or freelance career) that feels aligned with the life you want to live.
Profit Isn’t Greedy, It’s Necessary
One of the biggest mindset blocks I see, especially with women, is guilt around earning more. But profit isn’t a luxury, it’s what allows you to rest, grow, and say no when something isn’t right.
Healthy profit margins mean you can outsource the tasks that drain you, take time off without panic, and invest in support that helps you thrive. It’s not about just ticking financial boxes, it’s about creating a business that supports you in the long run.
Strong Finances create space to thrive and grow
Burnout often creeps in when we feel like we have no control. But setting financial boundaries puts you back in the driver’s seat. It allows you to show up fully, confidently, and without constantly running on empty.
So if you’re in tech, and you’re tired of the hustle, consider this, maybe it’s not about working harder. Maybe it’s time to rethink how money fits into your wellbeing.
You deserve to be well-paid, well-rested, and live the life you dream about and that starts with honouring your own financial needs.
