I've had many trades as well, before ending up as a software engineer. My hardest, most exhausting job was in the food industry. Entering office live was easy,

I've had many trades as well, before ending up as a software engineer. My hardest, most exhausting job was in the food industry. Entering office live was easy, work a picnic. Plenty of energy coming home after work. With my previous attained 'work mentality' I could way more done! ... and last year I had an extreme burn-out event (hospitalised). In my experience burn-out is a combination of steadily (for a longer period of time) putting in more energy then available, not taking enough rest and most importantly: emotional disturbance (going against your nature/ will) For example: Work hard, have a bad relationship at home or at work can easily lead to burn-out. Furthermore, software engineering seem to have some unique combined traits which sets it apart: 1. Creative proces which is hard to manage and easily leads to misunderstandings and conflict with customer or employer. 2. Screen-working enables stretching concentration well beyond human limits. 3. Modern western society tends to personally identify oneself with work too much (which is an easy trigger for emotional disturbance) 4. Programming is fun! Devs are being treated so well! So why not endure those problems a bit longer ...