Healing From Burnout After 20 Years of Programming

November 6, 2023 Health & Wellness • My Software Developer Career Journey • Software Development Career Advice

44:56

Burnout is one of the most common dangers to programmers over their career, and I was no exception.

Watch or listen to this episode

Burnout is one of the most common dangers to programmers over their career, and I was no exception. Software development and programming can make it difficult to find a healthy balance between work and life. My burnout was a combination of self-inflicted bad decisions, things done to me, and circumstances in my personal life.

As a programmer, you’re no stranger to the intense focus and long hours that come with the job. But when does dedication turn into burnout? Burnout is more than just feeling tired; it’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can sap your energy, leave you feeling increasingly helpless, cynical, and resentful, and may even make you feel like you’re no longer contributing effectively.

Signs of Burnout

Recognizing burnout is the first step towards healing. Common signs include:

• Chronic fatigue: Feeling physically and emotionally drained, exhausted, and depleted.
• Lack of motivation: Losing interest in your work, or feeling that it’s no longer meaningful.
• Frustration and cynicism: Developing a negative, hard-to-shake attitude towards your job and colleagues.
• Cognitive problems: Experiencing concentration and creativity issues.
• Decreased productivity: Despite long hours, achieving less feels like a constant struggle.

Strategies to Heal Programmer Burnout

• Take Time Off: Step away from your work environment. A break, whether a vacation or a staycation, can provide a fresh perspective and allow you to recharge.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial. This might mean turning off work notifications after hours or dedicating weekends to non-work-related activities.
• Seek Support: Talk to someone, whether it’s a trusted colleague, a mentor, or a mental health professional. Sharing your feelings can lighten your emotional load and provide new insights into managing your situation.
• Reevaluate Your Goals: Reflect on what you want from your career. Sometimes, burnout stems from working in misalignment with your values or interests. Consider what changes, big or small, could bring your work more in line with your personal goals.
• Develop a Self-Care Routine: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep are foundational to mental and physical health. Mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga can also be incredibly effective in managing stress.
• Pursue a Hobby: Engage in activities unrelated to programming. Hobbies can be a great source of relaxation and joy, offering a much-needed break from the routine of coding.
• Learn to Delegate: If you’re in a leadership position, trust your team with responsibilities. Delegating can reduce your workload and help develop your team’s skills.
• Continuous Learning: Sometimes, burnout stems from monotony. Engaging in learning new technologies or methodologies can reignite your passion for programming.
• Work Environment Changes: If your burnout is linked to your current job, consider what changes could improve your situation. It might be a conversation about your role, responsibilities, or even exploring new job opportunities.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Well-Being

Healing from burnout is not just about short-term fixes but about making sustainable changes in how you approach your work and life. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for a long and fulfilling career in programming. You have the power to overcome burnout and rediscover the joy in your work.

About the Healthy Software Developer show.

On the show, Jayme shares all of his teamwork and leadership strategies, guidelines for healthy company culture, and stories about real projects so you can have a sustainable career in the software industry.

Develop a mindset and habits to keep you calm so you still love writing code - avoiding the traps most developers fall into.

Subscribe Now

YOUR HOST

Jayme Edwards

A family man and veteran of over 30 software projects, Jayme experienced many wins and losses that led him to helping developers succeed in their careers online.