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I'be been struggling with burnout myself during this year. In the darkest times it got bad enough that I considered to abandon software development altogether.

I'be been struggling with burnout myself during this year. In the darkest times it got bad enough that I considered to abandon software development altogether. Thanks to a three months time off I'm through it now. I've been writing about my experiences and my recovery, maybe they can be of help to anyone else in a similar situation: https://www.damienklinnert.de/a-passion-lost/ https://www.damienklinnert.de/a-passion-lost/ My one piece of advice for you if you're in a similar situation would be to take time off.

agumonkey 7y ago
I'm partially recovering, it's such a weird feeling. Like un-divorcing.
lnsru 7y ago
Are you going back to work in the same place with same people after your time off?
- jownwayne 7y ago
  Yes I am going back to the same place, but the organisation has changed a lot while I was away (new team, new manager, new projects).
StavrosK 7y ago
I had the same experience as you, years ago. I was severely burnt out (to the point where I didn't want to do anything computer-related). Taking time off fixed it, but I probably need to do that again now.
- jownwayne 7y ago
  I’ve learned that it’s best to take the time off as soon as you notice something is wrong. The longer you wait, the more time it takes. After the last time it took me about two months to recover.
  - Insanity 7y ago
    Absolutely, I pushed it too far at some point and got put off by even the thought of opening my IDE for months. Having some hobbies outside of code can help as well.
tayo42 7y ago
That was interesting. How long did it take you to get so burnt out? I feel like I might be lately, i haven't done any interesting personal coding or learning in probably around a year and a half now. I used to really enjoy hacking on stuff and learning how it all works. Lately I just don't care much. Ive only been working for maybe 4 or 5 years, my third year of professional work was particularly shitty.
- Nursie 7y ago
  You don't have to code every hour that god sends to be good at your job. Most of the good people I know have hobbies and outside interests that are tech related but are significantly different to the day job, perhaps producing music, or making short films, or home automation or something. Personal coding and learning, in the same sort of area you work, would accelerate burnout for me.

agumonkey 7y ago

I'm partially recovering, it's such a weird feeling. Like un-divorcing.

lnsru 7y ago

Are you going back to work in the same place with same people after your time off?

jownwayne 7y ago
Yes I am going back to the same place, but the organisation has changed a lot while I was away (new team, new manager, new projects).

StavrosK 7y ago

I had the same experience as you, years ago. I was severely burnt out (to the point where I didn't want to do anything computer-related). Taking time off fixed it, but I probably need to do that again now.

jownwayne 7y ago
I’ve learned that it’s best to take the time off as soon as you notice something is wrong. The longer you wait, the more time it takes. After the last time it took me about two months to recover.
- Insanity 7y ago
  Absolutely, I pushed it too far at some point and got put off by even the thought of opening my IDE for months. Having some hobbies outside of code can help as well.

tayo42 7y ago

That was interesting. How long did it take you to get so burnt out? I feel like I might be lately, i haven't done any interesting personal coding or learning in probably around a year and a half now. I used to really enjoy hacking on stuff and learning how it all works. Lately I just don't care much. Ive only been working for maybe 4 or 5 years, my third year of professional work was particularly shitty.

Nursie 7y ago
You don't have to code every hour that god sends to be good at your job. Most of the good people I know have hobbies and outside interests that are tech related but are significantly different to the day job, perhaps producing music, or making short films, or home automation or something. Personal coding and learning, in the same sort of area you work, would accelerate burnout for me.