Identifying & Battling Burnout - Joseph & Jesse

On this episode of Smash the Bug, Joseph and Jesse talk about burnout, or more creatively put, "debugging the person". Sometimes the problems we face aren't with the code, but with ourselves, and we need to be open about these challenges so that we can help each other out.

Key Takeaways

What does burnout actually look like and how can we identify when it is starting to become an issue?

Can we possibly identify how many hours we are productive and set healthy boundaries for how much we are working? Drawing an arbitrary line in the sand isn't the answer. Some people work 12 hour days and love their work, while others hit their limit faster.

Instead of being willing to step back and re-evaluate a project we are working on, we often look to just "get it done" instead of doing it right, which is often both a contributor to and a result of burnout.

Beginning every day, week and project with a fine-tuned "big picture perspective" can help you stay on course. "

One of the most demoralizing things I can do is throw code away" - Jesse

Jesse confesses that he struggles a lot when the requirements for a project change. Starting with a "big picture perspective", making sure the requirements are well laid out in the first place, and preparing for those struggles help to prevent demoralizing emotional situations.

Maybe sometimes you just need to clean the junk off of your glasses and you'll be as good as new! (joking, of course)

After discussing burnout with a dentist, Jesse learned that the feeling of burnout that comes from doing repetitive and boring tasks can be remedied by seeking to learn new approaches and creative solutions for the project. Trying a new approach might take you longer, but it will help you to learn and explore.

When you make creativity a priority, you can get into a routine of making mundane tasks seem fresh again.

If you're struggling with burnout, email [email protected] or [email protected]. While everyone's situation is unique, we've most certainly been through similar challenges and would be happy to lend a listening ear!

(Theme music courtesy of Trending Audio)