4 ms·

The biggest thing that fixed my burnout was actually getting laid off during the recession (09). And being unemployed for a few months. Fortunately this was i

The biggest thing that fixed my burnout was actually getting laid off during the recession (09). And being unemployed for a few months. Fortunately this was in the summer, and I spend many days up at the camper (we had an already paid for seasonal spot about an hour away). I found myself sleeping so hard during the afternoons that I slept through several recruiters calling me back. Then when I finally landed a new job I hit the ground running so hard, that I was an instant hit. Problem is, after more than a decade I find myself constantly tired and unmotivated for anything. I fear that burnout is starting again, but can't afford another break in employment (and this job is actually really good -- very intense, but I don't have that feeling of dread going into work every day [like I used to experience with high school], just exhausted).

kaybe 7y ago
Is taking a month or two off impossible? It sounds like you could really use a break.
- derekp7 7y ago
  The thing is, in a couple jobs I had there was negative tension, as if management or others in the organization were in a constant battle to find something wrong with you. Something that could get you fired or keep you down. So you had that sick feeling going into work, where you were constantly being gaslighted along with plenty of passive aggressiveness. Whereas where I am now, I am well liked, people bend over backwards to support others, and everyone is working toward the same goal. It helps that the industry itself make a positive impact on people. The main feeling I get now, is similar to what I get whenever I finish a major project (including personal projects, such as designing and building a shed, creating a programming language, or designing a highly functional desk). It is a mental version of physical exhaustion you get after a strenuous activity. So every day I end up with a bunch of small accomplishments, and periodically something major at work, which feels good. But I am also very tired. I get plenty of vacation days, but really need to make better use of them.
  - kaybe 7y ago
    Mhm, I think I know too well what you're talking about..
mzarate06 7y ago
> Problem is, after more than a decade I find myself constantly tired and unmotivated for anything. I fear that burnout is starting again... That statement relates to a feeling I have about burnout - I don't believe you fully recover from it. At least in my experience, while I (and others I've discussed this with) recovered by some point, I also felt something was left permanently weakened, in a way that made me increasingly susceptible to later bouts I'd experience. There are probably normal factors that contribute to that, such as how much we age between bouts. However, after each bout, I recall not feeling the same after recovering as I did prior to when the bout started.
- eq_sd_ 7y ago
  This was how it was for me. I got burnt out coding a lot and studying for interviews (as I'm mostly self taught). I started going to therapy, but got fired after working under an awful manager that I didn't feel comfortable opening up to. Interviewing while unemployed pushed me further into burn out. Coding originally pulled me out of a funk, it gave me something to work at. But now, I feel like I lost so much passion. I can't imagine coding in my free time even if I wasn't a developer anymore.
  - oulu2006 7y ago
    I'm in a similar situation. I used to code at home and read all sorts of books on various things like the Linux Kernel, just for fun. Now when I switch off after work, just the thought of looking at code makes me shudder.
  - taurath 7y ago
    Are you actively interested in other things though? I have this problem, but I’m also quite depressed and working on that.
codingslave 7y ago
Maybe, but I think people underestimate the degree to which having a job keeps their lives in order. Self regulation in the sense of no job, daily schedule, and responsibilities when coupled with depression and burnout, is very difficult to navigate. Most people never spend long periods of time unemployed, we arent skilled for it. I also think that burnout can last a long time, longer than you can stay unemployed for. But I can see your point of view, I just think there's a risk. Another thing to add is tenure on your resume matters, so if you are going through a tough period, and this person does end up getting fired in a year, they still have a two year stint. Much better than one year, people look at this stuff when they suspect the individual has had life difficulties.

kaybe 7y ago

Is taking a month or two off impossible? It sounds like you could really use a break.

derekp7 7y ago
The thing is, in a couple jobs I had there was negative tension, as if management or others in the organization were in a constant battle to find something wrong with you. Something that could get you fired or keep you down. So you had that sick feeling going into work, where you were constantly being gaslighted along with plenty of passive aggressiveness. Whereas where I am now, I am well liked, people bend over backwards to support others, and everyone is working toward the same goal. It helps that the industry itself make a positive impact on people. The main feeling I get now, is similar to what I get whenever I finish a major project (including personal projects, such as designing and building a shed, creating a programming language, or designing a highly functional desk). It is a mental version of physical exhaustion you get after a strenuous activity. So every day I end up with a bunch of small accomplishments, and periodically something major at work, which feels good. But I am also very tired. I get plenty of vacation days, but really need to make better use of them.
- kaybe 7y ago
  Mhm, I think I know too well what you're talking about..

mzarate06 7y ago

> Problem is, after more than a decade I find myself constantly tired and unmotivated for anything. I fear that burnout is starting again... That statement relates to a feeling I have about burnout - I don't believe you fully recover from it. At least in my experience, while I (and others I've discussed this with) recovered by some point, I also felt something was left permanently weakened, in a way that made me increasingly susceptible to later bouts I'd experience. There are probably normal factors that contribute to that, such as how much we age between bouts. However, after each bout, I recall not feeling the same after recovering as I did prior to when the bout started.

eq_sd_ 7y ago
This was how it was for me. I got burnt out coding a lot and studying for interviews (as I'm mostly self taught). I started going to therapy, but got fired after working under an awful manager that I didn't feel comfortable opening up to. Interviewing while unemployed pushed me further into burn out. Coding originally pulled me out of a funk, it gave me something to work at. But now, I feel like I lost so much passion. I can't imagine coding in my free time even if I wasn't a developer anymore.
- oulu2006 7y ago
  I'm in a similar situation. I used to code at home and read all sorts of books on various things like the Linux Kernel, just for fun. Now when I switch off after work, just the thought of looking at code makes me shudder.
- taurath 7y ago
  Are you actively interested in other things though? I have this problem, but I’m also quite depressed and working on that.

codingslave 7y ago

Maybe, but I think people underestimate the degree to which having a job keeps their lives in order. Self regulation in the sense of no job, daily schedule, and responsibilities when coupled with depression and burnout, is very difficult to navigate. Most people never spend long periods of time unemployed, we arent skilled for it. I also think that burnout can last a long time, longer than you can stay unemployed for. But I can see your point of view, I just think there's a risk. Another thing to add is tenure on your resume matters, so if you are going through a tough period, and this person does end up getting fired in a year, they still have a two year stint. Much better than one year, people look at this stuff when they suspect the individual has had life difficulties.