Hi from the burnout bunker!

I’m Radgie—writer, storyteller, systems enthusiast, and currently operating at about 40% battery, mostly thanks to peach iced tea, poetry drafts, and the occasional existential crisis.

I was diagnosed autistic in adulthood (at 46 just three months ago), which explained a lot: my love of structure, my aversion to fluorescent lighting, and my tendency to treat small talk like a boss fight.

Until recently, I was an assistant manager at an autism specialist college—a role I cared deeply about, but one that eventually asked more than I could sustainably give. I’ve stepped down to a tutor role to protect my regulation and wellbeing, but I’ll be honest: I’m still deep in the burnout woods, trying to navigate with a compass made of metaphors and caffeine.

I’m here to reconnect with the parts of myself that don’t revolve around crisis management or masking. I love creative writing (especially poetry and sensory-rich fiction), vocal storytelling, and building low-pressure, neurodivergent-friendly routines. I’m also slowly working on a portfolio site and a storytelling channel—gently, at my own pace, and with full permission to pause.

If you’re navigating burnout, late diagnosis, or want to chat about writing, advocacy, or the strange comfort of existential humour, I’d love to connect.

I’m not always quick to reply (executive function is a fickle beast), but I’m always glad to be here.

Parents
  • Welcome to the forum!

    Sounds like you were or are a teacher of some sort? I was a music professor for ten years, so I can understand if the burnout is stemming a bit from the ever-changing landscape of the education field. I’m also interested in writing, but my writing is kind of weird lol. I write novels/novellas that have a structure that is inspired by stage scripts. I also usually do fantasy horror.

    Also peach iced tea is a good pick. I‘m surviving on a good weekly frozen peach margarita right now Joy

  • frozen peach margarita right now

    Jeepers, ! Given the time zone difference, shouldn't you be posting that in the what's-for-breakfast thread?

    BTW, what do I need to make my own frozen peach margarita? Sounds yummy.

  • Ooo I’m not sure how to make homemade ones! We have a really nice Mexican restaurant next door that we treat ourselves to once a week, so I’m a little spoiled.

    I think you’ll need a blender, peaches (frozen or fresh), ice, lime juice, and tequila? I have no idea the amounts, though.

Reply
  • Ooo I’m not sure how to make homemade ones! We have a really nice Mexican restaurant next door that we treat ourselves to once a week, so I’m a little spoiled.

    I think you’ll need a blender, peaches (frozen or fresh), ice, lime juice, and tequila? I have no idea the amounts, though.

Children
  • "and lead us not into temptation..." am now salivating

    • frozen peaches
    • orange juice
    • ice
    • tequila
    • honey
    • lime juice
    • All blitzed up in a blender
    • garnish the glass rim by rubbing the rim with a lime slice and then dip the glass rim into coarse salt & add a slice of fresh lime to the margarita.

    ...as to the quantities; very much a personal taste, however, based upon a popular reviewed recipe - the suggestion:

    per person,

    about (1 American cup / 235 ml / 8 fluid oz) something like:

    1 cup of frozen peaches,

    3/4 cup orange juice,

    1/2 cup ice,

    and the rest of the ingredients to personal.

    Just leave out the tequila: then you have a smoothie for all to enjoy - instead of a margarita!