From Code to Calm: Combating Burnout in Tech

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TIME TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

I had to take actionable steps to find out where I was and how far I had to climb. It was the beginnings of a lot of hard work and the hard work we put into ourselves rewards us in the end and for the future so we, as people, can balance our self-care and home life with work.

• Acknowledge burnout is not personal failure. • Identify tasks that are energizing, not draining. • Say “no” more often. Ask for help! Rest! • Keep track of every win or positive event, no matter how small. • Re realistic with what you can and cannot achieve with what you have. • Lower demands and standards on yourself and demands at work. • Tap into resources and a support network.

These were a part of my inventory and are probably a part of most of our inventory. See if you have one of these in your inventory.

@TODDLIBBY • KCDC 2024

ME NOT A PROFESSIONAL

Research and interviewed clinical professionals - I made sure to interview professionals about burnout and what causes it, signs of burnout, the effect burnout can have.

Lessons learned through others who’ve had burnout - I spoke with people i knew that have been through burnout and their experiences and what they did to get help.

2 years removed from severe burnout - It’s been a long road back.

Multiple burnout instances over 25 years in development - I can remember at least a dozen times I have been burnout but never as bad as this go around.

Recovering alcoholic of 10+ years - I can get unspun over the littlest of things if I am not in the right headspace. It is a lot of work to stay sober. A colossal amount, add burnout to that and it’s a lot of work but doing the work and facing the fears and uncertainties has made me stronger and I hope that if others have similar experiences, they will share that too.

@TODDLIBBY • KCDC 2024