How to deal with burnout/fatigue but too immersed into programming?
Posted by polmeeee@reddit | learnprogramming | View on Reddit | 9 comments
I like programming and have multiple concurrent projects ongoing. Game project, webdev etc. However recently I have felt the burnout, like I'm just tired and have no will do lift a finger to type code.
Now it's easy to just say take a break, stop for a week, however if I don't code I feel immersely empty inside. I mean I like programming it's my hobby and hopefully my career soon, and I'm feeling burnout but if I don't code I will feel even worse, like I'm doing nothing with my life.
Anyone felt the same way? How do you deal with it?
aqua_regis@reddit
Learn to take breaks.
Really, that's all that is to it. I've been in the same boat when I started programming way back in the 1980s. I was obsessed with it to the point that my school grades went downhill. I learnt the hard way to stop and to prioritize a "normal" life outside programming.
If you don't learn to maintain a healthy programming/life balance you will not be able to carry on and make it your career.
Stop before it is too late. Seek other hobbies that get you away from the computer. Really, do it now. Don't wait.
polmeeee@reddit (OP)
Thank you. I tried my other hobbies: video games, got bored quickly, tried reading, also got bored, still keep finding myself yearning to code something.
May I ask how do you maintain the programming/life balance effectively? Did you take week long breaks? How do you pry yourself away from the keyboard such that you can focus on your other hobbies?
aqua_regis@reddit
It's really down to self discipline.
While I was still in school, I focused on my studies, did some time outside while there was still daylight, and then in the evenings I would code for an hour or two (sometimes 3 - 4). Weekends I did a bit more.
Now, I maintain a regular work/life where in my job I code and when I'm off, I do other things, music, reading, being outside, riding my motorbike in the summer, going swimming, spend quality time with friends and family, etc. There are times when I also code in my off-time, but that only happens when something piques my interest.
I did not take week long breaks unless I was on vacation. I reduced my daily hours.
polmeeee@reddit (OP)
Gotcha. I've been coding for long stretches, even bringing my laptop to work to code in my free time (my job is very laissez faire as long as I get tasks done). Weeklong breaks doesn't sound like a good idea then, maybe I should start by reducing hours and setting aside hours for strictly coding and strictly no coding.
aqua_regis@reddit
This might come across as harsh now, but rest assured, it is with the best intention and from someone who has been there (with programming):
Do not let programming determine your life. Do no define yourself over programming.
Your entire post and comments here are huge red flags that we see with plenty other people in other domains. You are on the verge of becoming addicted, obsessed. Do not let that happen.
If you are at that stage, only a cold turkey can help. You need to withdraw. You need to reduce after the withdrawal.
Stop bringing your laptop to work. Stop spending most of your time programming. Invest in other hobbies. Go out. Do sports. Make and meet friends - outside the programming bubble.
Do not make programming the center point of your life. It can become an addiction like drugs and with all the withdrawal symptoms and with the emptiness, with the fatigue, with everything.
Stop before it is too late!
MSFTInducedAneurysm@reddit
I just wanted to add my whole-hearted agreement. Coding will take over your life if you let it. I did, and it's not an experience I want to repeat.
My biggest problem was feeling like I was letting others down (or even just myself) if I wasn't constantly at the keyboard. And because our industry is in a constant state of renewal, I always felt it was my duty to work long and hard to stay current.
Before I smartened up I was eating, breathing and dreaming code and coding problems. I was constantly on edge and, frankly, no fun to be around.
Don't let yourself get sucked into that pattern. A little obsession is OK, but when coding is the last thing you think of before you go to sleep, and the first thing you think of when you wake, it's time to put on the brakes.
Good luck finding your balance.
polmeeee@reddit (OP)
Thanks, this is the kind of advice I need. Posted here because I wanted to hear percisely what others in similar situations have been through and how they dealt with it. Plus having an outsider perspective to see all the red flags I missed out myself.
Time_Strawberry4090@reddit
If youre hoping to make it a career soon I think putting the hours in is good. But if its over lets say 4 hours per day whilst you also work its too much for most people. If its over 8 hours per day on free days it may be too much. Go at your own pace. If youre not burnt out theres no reason to stop. It may be a hobby but its a useful and impactful one.
Just_Shoulder5999@reddit
I can help me with the web development projects to help me grow financially.