Have you ever finished a large project and returned to your desk only to discover that you now have to meet even more stringent deadlines? Would you be excited to tackle these new projects, or would you see them as a tedious chore that must be completed? If you guessed the latter, you're probably exhausted, and I don't blame you - it's difficult to be expected to run like a well-oiled machine. However, be aware that this is a sign of burnout.
Chances are, we’ve all heard about and experienced burnout at some point in our lives. But recently, research has indicated a rise in burnout amongst developers me included.
What is Burnout?
According to the World Health Organization, burnout is an “occupational phenomenon.” This occurs due to chronic workplace stress characterized by exhaustion or drained energy, feeling mentally distant from one’s job, negative feelings about one’s career, and reduced professional efficacy.
Three phases of burnout
Honeymoon
When you start a new job and take on new responsibilities, you may feel excited, enthusiastic, and more satisfied with your job. You may not experience burnout symptoms during this stage, but you are likely to anticipate the types of stresses you will face in the future.Chronic stress
In this phase, you may begin experiencing stress more frequently along with intense symptoms compared to phase two. It may have become an everyday experience filled with anxiety and stress.Burnout 🔥
In this final phase, burnout has become a huge part of your life, leaving you vulnerable to significant and ongoing impacts on your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Reasons for burnout in developers:
- Poor Coding Culture
In many organizations, junior developers are not properly trained to manage the future implications of specific projects. Consequently, senior developers are held responsible for clearing or avoiding technical debts, which can be highly time-consuming. This can increase your workload and easily blur the lines between your work-life balance.
- Monotonous Work
Just like any other profession, devs also get tired of coding. It’s pretty intense brain work, and one can only do so much. That’s why it’s crucial to give devs a variety of work to make their day-to-day routine more interesting and enjoyable.
- Lack of Work-Life Balance
Different for different individuals.
How Developers Can Reduce Burnout
Take Care of Yourself
It’s common wanting to complete your work in one sitting to avoid distractions caused by zoning in and out of work. But realistically speaking, the more you get away from your screen, the better it will be for your health. You can make some time for a quick walk or lunch break or engage in physical activity to get your body moving and blood circulating. It would be even more helpful to schedule regular breaks throughout your day, so you don’t forget to take them.
Also, keep your passion alive. Kudos.
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