Are you feeling stretched a little too thin, juggling too much, and wondering if it’s just you? We recently carried out a national survey to get a clearer picture of how Canadians are coping, and the results were eye-opening.
Out of 1,731 people across the country, more than half said they’re feeling burnt out. And that’s just the start. Financial stress, unpaid overtime, and constant pressure at work are pushing people to their limits, and it’s taking a serious toll on mental health, family life, and everyday well-being.
Key Takeaways
- What the numbers told us
- The problem with “do more for less”
- The hidden effects of financial stress
- A lot of people don’t know where to turn
What the numbers told us
Here’s what stood out most:
- 58% said they’ve felt burned out or emotionally drained in the last year
- 36.9% have skipped meals or essentials just to make ends meet
- 33.1% have used credit for everyday costs like groceries or rent
- 21.4% are doing extra work with no extra pay
- 14.7% are working unpaid overtime
- 76.3% said job or financial stress has negatively affected their mental health
This isn’t just a few people feeling the pressure—it’s a lot of us, all at once.
The problem with “do more for less”
We also found that 52.6% of Canadians have seen their workload increase in the past year. But many aren’t being fairly compensated. Instead, they’re being asked to do more with fewer resources, less support, and no extra pay.
“We’re seeing the consequences of a ‘do more for less’ culture. Whether it’s working extra hours without pay or turning to credit just to afford the basics, people are sacrificing their well-being to keep up, and that’s simply not sustainable.” – Joshua Harris, CEO Harris & Partners
The hidden effects of financial stress
Financial and job stress doesn’t stay at the office or in your bank account. It spills into every part of life. According to our survey:
- 34.4% have put off holidays or personal time
- 20.3% have struggled to pay bills on time
- 14.1% have delayed getting medical or mental health support
- 13.7% said they’ve pulled back from seeing friends and family
- 54.5% have thought about changing jobs because of financial stress
- 11.4% have already made that change
A lot of people don’t know where to turn
One thing that really stood out? Nearly 1 in 3 Canadians told us they wouldn’t know where to turn if things got unmanageable financially. And fewer than 40% said they’d feel confident getting help.
That tells us there’s still a big gap in support and awareness. And that’s something we’re working hard to change.
Too many people feel like they have to figure it all out on their own, but that’s not true. Licensed Insolvency Trustees (like us) are here to help, providing clear, honest advice about what to do next.
“Too many people are suffering in silence. We need more accessible education, stronger financial safety nets, and wider awareness of the professional support that is available—especially Licensed Insolvency Trustees who can provide impartial advice.” – Joshua Harris, CEO Harris & Partners
Struggling to keep up? We’re here to help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by bills, relying on credit to get by, or burning out from the pressure of keeping up, it’s time to get support that actually helps. Speaking with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee will help you understand your rights and options.
At Harris & Partners, we’ll walk you through what’s available—whether that’s a consumer proposal to reduce your debt, support with budgeting, or just a clearer picture of where you stand financially. The conversation is free, confidential, and tailored to your situation. No pressure, no judgement—just honest advice from a team that’s helped thousands of Canadians get back on track.
Ready to take the first step? Book a consultation with one of our Licensed Insolvency Trustees today.
