From London to Finland: One Couple’s Journey to Overcome Burnout and Rebuild Their Lives
Marija Riba, 33, and her husband recently left their jobs in London and relocated to Finland. Riba faced burnout from her demanding job in the crypto industry and is still recovering from it months later. She is focusing on her health but finds it hard to relax and stop working.
In July, they decided to leave London after Riba’s husband also felt dissatisfied with his job. Initially, Riba planned to take a month off to recover, but she realized her burnout was more profound than she thought. The pressure of potentially failing and relying on family financially has kept her from fully resting.
Riba worked in the crypto industry for four years, culminating in a job as head of product at a blockchain art-verification platform. The intense work environment and constant demands led her to experience serious burnout. After suffering extreme shoulder pain, she recognized that staying in a situation that made her unhappy would only worsen her health.
The couple moved in with Riba’s parents to find a supportive and calm environment during this transition. Adjusting to living with her parents was emotional, as she hadn’t lived with them since she was 17. Riba and her husband help with household tasks while also dealing with their own feelings of stress.
Interview with Marija Riba: Rediscovering Life After Burnout
News Directory 3: Marija, thank you for taking the time to share your story with us. Can you start by telling us what prompted your decision to leave London and relocate to Finland?
Marija Riba: Absolutely. The decision was multifaceted, largely driven by the burnout I experienced from my demanding role in the crypto industry. My husband was also feeling dissatisfied with his job. We realized we needed a change—a fresh start away from the high-pressure environment we were in.
News Directory 3: You mentioned experiencing burnout. Can you describe what that was like for you?
Marija Riba: It was overwhelming and debilitating. I had been in the crypto industry for four years, culminating in a head of product position at a blockchain art-verification platform. The pressure was relentless, and I ended up suffering from extreme shoulder pain. It was a wake-up call that staying in a toxic situation would only worsen my health.
News Directory 3: After leaving your jobs, you moved in with your parents. How has that experience been for you?
Marija Riba: Moving back in with my parents was emotional for me. I hadn’t lived with them since I was 17, so it brought up a lot of feelings. However, it provided a supportive and calm environment which was crucial for my recovery. Both my husband and I help out with household tasks, and it has been a real adjustment, balancing our own stress while also being there for my family.
News Directory 3: You mentioned initially planning for a month off—did you find that sufficient for your recovery?
Marija Riba: I thought a month would be enough to recharge, but I quickly realized that my burnout was much deeper than I had anticipated. I found it hard to relax completely, partly due to the financial pressure and fear of failing. I now understand that recovery is a longer process than I initially expected.
News Directory 3: It’s great to hear you and your husband have since moved into your own flat. How has that transition impacted your mental state?
Marija Riba: Moving into our own place has been liberating. The peaceful surroundings of Finland have given me the space I need to focus on my health. I’ve started meditating and going to the gym, and I really appreciate the tranquility here.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that your husband copes with stress differently than you do. Can you elaborate on that?
Marija Riba: Yes, he channels his stress into practical tasks, like fixing things around the home. He’s currently job hunting as well, but he seems to manage his stress more effectively than I do, which I sometimes find challenging. I’m still working on learning how to relax and find my own coping mechanisms.
News Directory 3: What have you learned about yourself during this career break?
Marija Riba: I’ve learned that I need to confront my discomfort with the lack of control in my life. Ignoring the signs of burnout led me straight to this situation. Now, I feel a sense of freedom to explore new paths and possibilities that align with my health and well-being, which is incredibly empowering.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Marija, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. It’s clear that prioritizing your health is paying off. We wish you continued success in your recovery and future endeavors.
Marija Riba: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I hope it resonates with others who may be in similar situations.
Recently, they moved into their own flat, with financial support from Riba’s parents. They enjoy the peaceful surroundings in Finland, which allows Riba to focus on her health. She has taken up meditating and going to the gym, enjoying the tranquility of her new city.
While Riba struggles to relax, her husband copes differently by fixing things around their home. He is also looking for work but manages stress more effectively than Riba.
This career break has taught Riba about herself, helping her face her discomfort with the lack of control in her life. She acknowledges that ignoring burnout signs contributed to her situation. Although recovery is challenging, she now feels free to explore new paths and possibilities.