Burnout, Breaks, and Big Plans for 2025

12 Books, 57 Browser Tabs, and a Plan for What’s Next

Confession: I spent the first two weeks of 2025 avoiding new year posts, predictions and resolutions—not because I had nothing to say, but because my brain felt like a browser with 57 tabs open. And honestly? Half of them were frozen.

But the truth is, I needed a deliberate reset. Both with my platforms (Instagram and Substack) and with my brain.

By the end of 2024, I was approaching burnout. I probably wouldn’t have admitted it at the time, but after stepping away from the screens and sinking into a pile of books (12, if you’re counting), I can see how spent I really was. And while it’s tempting to blame year-end fatigue, the reality is that 2024 was both transformative and exhausting.

It was my first full year at Future Women—I started in September 2023 which feels both forever ago and no time at all—and it changed everything. My workload expanded in unexpected but rewarding ways. Using my expertise in public service, politics, and gender equality in my day job has been so deeply fulfilling. But it also blurred the lines between my professional life and the creative outlet I’d carved out, mostly on my Instagram.

2024 made me rethink how I show up.

For years, Instagram and writing have been my way of making sense of the world—of unpacking politics, culture, and gender equality in ways that feel accessible and thought-provoking. But when those passions started overlapping with my day job, I stopped feeling that same drive to post or write. It wasn’t until I stepped back that I realised how much I missed it. And how much I missed having the mental space to do it well.

I also feel like I’ve finally found my rhythm at FW, where I fit amidst the chaos. And while it’s ever-evolving and there’s always something new to explore, I’m learning that I don’t need to be involved in everything just because I can be.

Look, I’ve always suffered from scope creep. Being adaptable, quick to pick up new things, and (if I do say so myself) annoyingly competent has been one of my biggest strengths. But let’s be honest—it’s also one of my biggest obstacles. If there’s a vacuum, I’ll fill it. And sometimes that comes at my own expense.

So, what does this mean for 2025?

The short version? I’m ready to dive back in. I’m excited to build this space, not just keep it running.

Given it’s an election year, I can’t wait to put my obsessive political news-tracking to good use beyond group chats and DMs. I’ve been the ‘go-to’ person for political info for so many of my friends (and most of my work chats), so I’m looking forward to sharing more of those insights here.

This will actually be the first election since starting my Instagram where I can talk about politics without the constraints of being ‘apolitical’ as a public servant. I have a lot more freedom to dive into the big issues and the messier conversations. That said—I’m not about to get hyper-partisan either.

And if election news isn’t your thing? Don’t worry. I’ve got plans for plenty more deep dives, explainers, and cultural commentary that go beyond the headlines.

Welcome to Notes on Nuance.

This is a space for sharp analysis, thoughtful commentary, and the occasional hot take on the issues shaping our world. If you’ve been following me on Instagram (@lauren.lately), you already know I love unpacking politics, culture, and social trends in a way that (I hope) is both accessible and thought-provoking.

This year, I’m doubling down on that approach—bringing you more deep dives, explainers, and opinion pieces that break through the noise and get to the heart of what matters. Expect a mix of content covering everything from political debates and cultural moments to gender equality and social justice. And maybe the odd ADHD-induced research rabbit hole too.

I’ll be exploring the big ideas behind the headlines, asking hard questions, and sitting comfortably (or sometimes uncomfortably) in the grey areas where nuance lives. Whether it’s making sense of policy and election promises, reflecting on pop culture trends, or tackling the trickier parts of social and political conversations, Notes on Nuance is here to help you feel informed, engaged, and maybe even inspired to speak up.

You’ll also find more personal reflections from me here on Substack—because some conversations can’t be separated from lived experience. For those who love a quick hit of insight, I’ll be sharing shorter posts, curated lists, and “voice notes” to keep things fresh and digestible. And don’t worry—bite-sized insights, reactions to breaking news and behind-the-scenes takes will still be available on my Instagram, which is also getting a little more attention from me in 2025.

Let’s dive in.

If any of this resonates—whether it’s burnout, political overwhelm, or the struggle to make sense of the world—stick around. Hit ‘subscribe,’ drop me a DM, or let me know what topics you want covered.

Because the world is messy, and the answers rarely fit into a soundbite.