All work and no play is a recipe for burnout: 'We’re not machines, and we all need recovery time'

We lionise hard work, but responsibility to your employer should not include skipping lunch or forgoing holiday leave, as this can undermine your health

Rachel Drury says she crossed the line between being a hard worker and overworking, which had a serious impact on her health. Picture: James Connolly

Rachel Drury was raised to be a worker. “From a young age, my parents expected me to work hard at school, housework, and hobbies,” says the 42-year-old, from Sligo.

“I was packing bags in Superquinn at 15 and had part-time jobs right through college.”