I'm sure there's a lot of things that is contributing to it (covid, WFH, etc), but for the past 3 months, and way more heavily, the past 2 weeks, I've essentially lost all my drive to do work. at all. Like, I literally can't get myself to care and/or focus. It's not the work is too hard or too easy. What I find happens is that I sit down, start to approach a problem, and within <20 minutes, I feel this overwhelmingness of just not wanting to even try to figure it out, and then I distract myself with social media. When I try to get back to work, the carelessness is still there so I literally just spin my wheels, take a break, spin my wheels, lunch, food coma, work, coffee break, take a break etc. The end result is that in my 8 hour workday, I probably work about 2 to 3 hours of unproductive work. Another problem is that while I dont care about my work, I still care about getting stuff done, so I end up staying and trying to work from 10:00PM to 1:00AM, and the results are the same. nothing. I can't seem to shake off this frustration, this carelessness, this suffering mentality, and all I want is to just find a new job.....It's not even the social media. even if it's not there, I just can't get myself in the mindset to want to do the work. I just get upset and literally feel like everything is a bit out of control and at the same time, and trying to overcome it.... #burnout #mentalhealth
Sorry you are feeling that way and it’s completely understandable. Here are some of the things you can try - Environment makes a huge impact on your mood and how you feel . Try some tech upgrades to your work environment - consider buying a new mechanical keyboard / or a new monitor May be . If you already don’t have a standing desk - try ordering one . Swap out your chair for something nicer- probably a Herman Miller ? I understand all of these are a bit on the expensive side . - for smaller upgrades - add small succulents to your desk. Probably some art around you . And please add extra lights too if you feel like it . Or a little monitor light. - if you are working from your bedroom, make your bed when you start working. - try wearing your work clothes at home. - take a break and cook for yourself 30-40 minutes a day. - step out for walks . Depending on where in the Bay Area you live - you can always find isolated places to walk . - if you are missing out on social interactions , do find excuses to talk to your team mates and zoom with them . Hopefully some of these improve your mood a bit and makes you productive by atleast a few %
Perfect post that applies to me. This past year I realized that I'm still a 16 year old kid who constantly needs to be watched, pretty sure I actually had more discipline at 16 instead. This is the sole reason I want to go back to office.
I'm in same boat. Any suggestions, people?
You're not alone. Taking walks and jumping on discord with coworkers have been helpful
I feel same
Feel the same...manager started to micromanage and now it's becoming hell..
Try getting out of the house, I find that road trips are super fun and relaxing for me, and help me get back into working mode when I return
Same here. I think the whole pandemic got people really reflecting on their life. I couldn’t take working a job anymore. So I just quit my job to trade stocks and have been much happier ever since. I spend most of my day just taking care of myself and trying to be happy. Now I always get my exercise in, cook my meals, spend time with family, etc. No more stupid daily standups or meetings. I guess I realized I wasn’t meant to be a software engineer. That’s why I couldn’t grok Leetcode. I was just meant to trade and chill.
This is textbook burnout. Don't be too hard on yourself. It happens to everyone and the pandemic is exacerbating it. Reflect on exactly what the problem might be, and think about what could change that wpuld fix it. Might be your manager, recognition, existential (this one's the toughest), the mission, autonomy. If it's autonomy, don't be afraid to just take time off and do what you want to do if you can afford it.
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It has a lot to do with wfh. Our brain is wired to think home is where you unwind. Check social media, watch tv, relax etc. we are so used to have a routine and finish work in an office setting and then home time is relaxing time. I totally understand your situation. I am in a similar situation. Remember this too shall pass. Be easy on yourself.