There’s no doubt I love New York and I love being a Software Engineer. There’s infinite things to do and cool neighborhoods/restaurants/museums/random fun stuff to checkout all the time in NYC. In addition, I am constantly enamored by the myriad of learning opportunities and friendships software continues bringing into my life. With that said, as a Software Engineer in New York, I find myself constantly fighting burnout.
Sometimes I feel like I’m burning the candle at both ends when trying to balance working full time, challenging myself and learning new things, maintaining a social life, going to meetups, working out, family obligations, and getting adequate sleep. Even though Stride proactively tries to prevent employee burnout, keeping my overall happiness regularly in check requires a delicate balance.
As a result, I am becoming more self aware to acknowledge the concept of burnout, recognize the burnout signs in myself, and taking actionable steps to help prevent burning out.
Burnout is a psychological term referring to long-term exhaustion and diminished interest in work. The term came about in the 1970s when psychologist, Herbert Freudenberger, published a paper about the effects of work’s excessive demands. These effects, Freudenberger concluded, caused exhaustion and produced “physical symptoms such as headaches and sleeplessness, ‘quickness to anger,’ and closed thinking.”
“WHATT!!?!?!?!?! but software is my job and my gram feed be poppin right now.” I know, I get that, and it’s hard for me to put the phone down too. But, maybe it’s time for a digital detox? Studies have shown that disconnecting from technology helps you rest.
I hope this helps 💖.
Whenever I am feeling a possible burnout, I am always uplifted by thinking about the many things I can do to empower myself. Getting out there, trying new things, treating myself, etc., helps keep me in check when I find myself teetering on the brim of burnout. I can usually alleviate burnout by planning a vacation, planning enough fun activities for myself, and sometimes by slowing down when I am doing too much.
Senior, Lead, or Principal developer in NYC? Stride is hiring! Want to level up your tech team? See how we do it! www.stridenyc.com
Do you ever feel like your team is running 1,000 miles per hour in the wrong direction, and you're not sure why? Sometimes, a chat with a peer is all it takes to give you a meaningful perspective to help you course correct, or to give you the courage to continue on your current path.
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