Balancing the scales
How to identify and overcome energy vampires
The thought
Ever notice how certain tasks or roles leave you feeling drained, while others fuel your fire—even if they’re challenging? That’s the difference between energy vampires and energy amplifiers. Think of energy vampires as the obligations and assignments that sap your motivation. They might be endless bureaucracy, repetitive tasks, or social commitments that don’t align with who you are.
Recognizing energy vampires
Tasks you keep pushing off until tomorrow
Meetings that drag you down instead of energizing you
Requests that clash with your core beliefs
Negativity-filled environments
Mind-numbing busywork that offers no room for growth
They’re often unavoidable, but the key is making sure they don’t outweigh your amplifiers.
Embracing energy amplifiers
Energy amplifiers might still be tiring, but they invigorate you because they align with your values and interests. They give you purpose, so even if you’re exhausted at the end of the day, you wake up the next morning ready for more.
In 2023, I realized my vampires outweighed my amplifiers. I’d end the day mentally drained and wake up feeling even worse. Sleep was never enough. I loved the challenge of my work, but dreaded every Zoom call, Slack ping, and email. When my creativity and sharpness started to fade, I knew it was time for a change. I left my job, took time off to rediscover what made me love my career in the first place, and finally landed at Maven Clinic—a place that genuinely aligns with my values.
Finding your net positive
I share my story because I’ve mentored many people who face this exact struggle. Some are enthusiastic about their craft but feel trapped in the wrong environment. Others aim for a certain field just because of the salary or perks—only to realize the work doesn’t spark any joy.
If any of this sounds like you, I recommend identifying your personal energy vampires and amplifiers. Sometimes, small adjustments can create big improvements. And life’s too short to hate what you do for 40 hours a week—no matter how much it pays.
Passion beats everything
When I hire, I look for passion as much as skill. Why? Because passion means you’ll find a way to push through tough days. If your field excites you, you won’t be the person dragging your feet on Zoom calls; you’ll be the one excitedly sharing new ideas.
I became a people manager because I love human interaction, problem-solving through design, and helping others succeed. But I’ve also seen people step into management for quick gains—only to burn out fast. Without genuine passion, the weight of responsibility can feel like a vampire every single day.
A quick action step
I keep a “job criteria” spreadsheet. In one column, list potential roles or tasks. In another, label each as a vampire or an amplifier (or assign negative and positive scores). Add up the totals. This simple exercise helps you see if the balance is off—and how to shift it.
If you’re wrestling with energy vampires—or searching for your next amplifier-filled opportunity—I’d love to connect. Let’s figure out what energizes you, so you can show up each day excited, not drained. After all, we do our best work when we’re net positive on energy. Let’s get there together.
The links
I’ve enjoyed these two videos from thought leaders in the design and AI space, talking about the future, with takeaways that design professionals can bring to their work today.
The jobs
I’m dedicating this issue to open roles at Maven Clinic, because while I’m biased, I think these are exceptionally exciting opportunities.
Director of Product Design - reports directly to me, shaping our member experience and broader product vision. I’m looking for someone with a proven track record in consumer-focused design—someone who can “get things done” and drive real impact through innovative, user-centered solutions.
Senior Brand Designer - we have two openings under this title:
One leans into marketing strategy—think campaigns, storytelling, and driving engagement.
The other is geared toward core brand design, evolving our visual identity and shaping how Maven shows up in the world.
Senior Product Designer - two roles here as well:
Payments/Fertility Benefits Focus: Help members navigate the complex financial landscape of fertility treatment and make informed decisions.
Care Delivery Focus: Elevate the core of our care model, ensuring members receive the best possible support.
Hi Eli — Really love this framing. It captures exactly what I’ve been feeling (and what I used to call burnout). I’m inspired by the work you’re doing at Maven and just applied for the Director of Product Design role. Would love to connect. Here’s a quick sense of who I am: jodislater.com.