Adrian Wojnarowski's decision to leave ESPN cost him $20 million: "Time is a finite resource."

A new job as general manager of a Division I basketball team may not necessarily mean a decrease in work hours for Adrian Wojnarowski, but for him, taking on the role of running the men's program at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure, will likely feel like a welcome change.

On Wednesday, ESPN journalist Wojnarowski, known for breaking NBA news, announced his retirement and the end of his $21 million contract over the next three years.

Wojnarowski, 55, started his career as a reporter for the Hartford Courant and gained notoriety as the top scoopster in the NBA world. By the time of his retirement, his 6.5 million followers were used to reading about their favorite team's transactions on his feed, with his tweeted scoops affectionately known as "Woj bombs."

Fittingly, Wojnarowski announced his departure on the platform.

"I understand the commitment required in my role, but I'm no longer willing to make that investment as time is limited and I want to spend it on personally meaningful activities."

His job at ESPN entailed breaking news, writing follow-up stories, appearing on ESPN's TV shows, and hosting a podcast. However, it primarily involved being on his phone at all times.

"Adam Schefter, ESPN's top NFL newsbreaker, stated on Wednesday that he no longer wanted to have to take his phone with him to the urinal and hold it in one hand while taking care of his business in the other. He explained that this was the life they lived, but he had chosen not to do it anymore because it consumed his life."

Dealing with burnout

Despite earning a substantial salary, Wojnarowski reportedly felt burnt out due to the increasing demands on his time and energy at his job.

"According to the Athletic, Wojnarowski expressed to his bosses that he found the idea of only getting three hours of sleep each night to stay up-to-date on NBA transactions and information unappealing as the season approached. Although he believed he could have continued for another season, the prospect of the St. Bonaventura job thrilled him in a way that breaking news no longer did."

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Wojnarowski's love for breaking news has been his driving force for much of his career, but Kandi Wiens, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Master's in Medical Education program, notes that burnout is a common experience among those who love their jobs.

Those with demanding jobs are not the only ones at risk of burnout, but also those who are genuinely passionate about their work and consistently put in extra effort.

If you are passionate about your work and see it as a calling or if you are driven by purpose and deeply care about the impact of your job on others, it becomes easier to become emotionally invested and overextend yourself.

Wojnarowski will likely establish firmer boundaries in his working life at his new job.

Wiens suggests that establishing and maintaining work-life boundaries can help you regain some personal time and create space for leisure activities and meaningful relationships that bring you happiness.

Wojnarowski's situation can be instructive for those feeling burnout. While not everyone can switch jobs or take a pay cut, those seeking a mentally healthy work-life balance can take steps to protect their time, energy, and wellbeing, advises Wiens.

"Whatever works best for your situation, you can reserve 'do not disturb' time on your calendar, schedule micro-breaks throughout the workday, and negotiate to work from home a few days a week."

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