Hi everyone! I've been working as a software engineer for a little over 4 years. At the onset of my still very young career, i was full of energy, ambition and just ready to take on the world. Lately though, all that excitement, determination and zest for life has started wanning. I recently switched teams/projects at my company in hopes of reigniting that spark. But it hasn't helped much. I often think of taking a break from work for a couple of months just to reexamine my life choices lol Can anyone relate? If so, how did you handle this phase? #mentalhealth #fatigue #spark #ambition
In the same boat. I’m wondering if it has to do with the realization that you’re not special and just a replaceable cog in the machine. Was so excited and happy when I first started.
Same feeling here.
Non engineer here but same thing. Company offered buyouts and I took it, best decision i made. Took about 5 months off with my new born son and havent regretted it once, although I will say there were a couple of worrying times!
Family is #1! A break like that can help give some perspective
Are you me?
OP, what you described has happened to me as well. Moving to a new company helped me a lot. Taking a break also helps.
You need to reach a new stage in life, be it in career or out. New challenges to get your brain turning again. Have you been ignoring any opportunities or chores you've been putting off?
Wife, house, kids, a new position that gives you more responsibility or makes you uncomfortable, no family and startups all day every day, moving to an island. We often tell ourselves we aren't ready for what we actually are craving and need. We are human after all.
Take a few months off, then find another programming job or don’t. This is very common.
Get fired/Switch Companies
Has happened to me multiple time. Changing job, company helps. Just wanted to add about exercise and your health. In the past, I went on to do half marathon. This help me greatly recover energy. Also, mental outlook depends on sleeping well. Exercise help as well as cutting coffee or alcohol. Now, I am stll using both, but understanding the effect on your sleep and mental outlook worth a lot.
Yes, sleep, diet & exercise matter much more past 30. They will likely define how far you can climb. The tower teeters and crashes easier.
I hit this point about every 3 years. Changing jobs can help and vacation has never helped me. You can try pushing through but you'll end up with a new job in 6-18 months. How is your physical health? Are you eating well? Do you exercise? Have you tried meditation or seeing a therapist? All of these things can help manage burnout.
You are overqualified for your current role
I've had some decent career progression. Are you saying I'm not challenged enough?
I tend to agree with this.