Burnt Out on Stand-Up? It’s Okay to Step Off Stage

Stand-up comedy can be very exciting. The rush of a great set, the connection with an audience, the high of landing a perfectly timed punchline—it’s addictive. But like anything that demands creativity, energy, and constant hustle - comedy can also burn you out.

Anyone who has been in the comedy scene long enough knows the drill: late nights, unpaid/underpaid gigs, endless writing, dealing with tough crowds, and the pressure to always be “on.” Add social media, self-promotion, and the constant comparison game, and suddenly, something you love can start to feel overwhelming and cause anxiety.

Burnout doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it sneaks in quietly. You might start dreading going on stage instead of looking forward to it. Writing jokes can feel like an obligation rather than an outlet. Maybe you feel more exhausted than excited after a show, or you start questioning why you’re even doing this in the first place. If any of that sounds familiar, it might be time to hit the pause button.

Taking a step back from comedy doesn’t mean you’re quitting—it means you’re prioritizing yourself. Rest, recharge, and remind yourself why you started in the first place. Try engaging in something creative that isn’t comedy. Write, paint, dance, or just scream into a pillow—whatever feels good. Give yourself permission to enjoy comedy without performing. Watch your favorite specials or go to a show just to have fun. And spend time with people outside of the comedy world—sometimes you need a break from shop talk and just need to exist as a person. Most importantly, remind yourself that rest is productive. Your brain needs downtime to come up with great material later.

The stage isn’t going anywhere. When you’re ready, comedy will be waiting for you—probably with a heckler in the front row, but still, it’ll be there. And when you come back, you’ll be funnier, fresher, and most importantly, happy to be doing it again.

So if you’re feeling burnt out, take a breath. Take a break. And when you’re ready, get back out there and make ‘em laugh.