How do I get over burnout/depression without losing my job?
Posted by farnsworthskillbots@reddit | ExperiencedDevs | View on Reddit | 1 comments
I've been in tech for 12 years and for the majority of that I was a high performer. But the pandemic along with some personal stuff burned me out to a crisp, plus I have nearly crippling depression. I work from home and I have such a hard time not just napping all day because I can't force myself to stay awake. I'm in therapy and taking antidepressants but it's not helping. I'm that coworker that you think never does anything. I hate it. I feel like I am burning bridges by being "that coworker" that no one would recommend - I'm worried that I'll be fired. But if I quit to try to deal with stuff, then I won't have health insurance. (Yay US healthcare.) How the fuck am I suppose to get back on my feet? Anyone have an tips?
shaileenshah@reddit
12 years of high performance and then hitting a wall this hard — that's not a character flaw, that's a human limit being reached.
The health insurance trap you're describing is real and genuinely cruel. One thing worth knowing: if things get to a point where you need time away, FMLA can protect your job for up to 12 weeks for a serious health condition — depression qualifies. It's not a perfect solution but it exists.
Hope things get lighter for you soon.