Burnout is rising, and many high achievers stay stuck even when they're financially free.

Hidden expectations, identity pressures, and fear keep them locked into the golden handcuffs.

In this episode, financial planner and author Chris Pollard joins Dan to break down why high achievers stay stuck in the golden handcuffs and why financial independence alone doesn’t create emotional freedom. They explore how identity, expectations from work and family, early money narratives, and hidden fears all tighten into life knots that hold people back from change. Chris explains how to recognize these knots, where they come from, and how defining “enough” through purpose, community, and clarity can help people finally move toward a life of intention instead of obligation.

Key Talking Points:

• Why burnout is rising and how invisible expectations fuel it
• How money becomes tied to identity and keeps people stuck
• What life knots are and how they limit freedom
• How to define enough and build a purpose-centered vision
• Why clarity, community, and honest conversations matter

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References/Resources:

• 77 percent of workers report experiencing burnout – Zippia (2024)
• Nearly half of professionals feel stuck due to financial pressure – Gallup Workplace (2024)
• Most Americans lack a clear definition of financial enough – Edward Jones & Age Wave (2023)

Connect with Chris:

• Website: greatpathplanning.com
• Book: Untangling the Golden Knot: Confronting Your Retirement Worries and Knowing When Enough is Enough
• Email: chris@greatpathplanning.com

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform
• Leave a rating & review
• Share this episode with others
• Support me by picking up the book atwww.escapetheclock.com/book

This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.