Thrive, Not Survive (Burnout Part 1)

Surviving Tech Burnout - My Story and How to Recognize the Signs

The tech industry is rife with challenges that can lead to burnout, especially for those in high-stakes roles like product managers, designers, and engineers. Understanding burnout and recognizing its symptoms is the first step toward addressing it effectively.

My Story: Burnout in the Trenches

During the pandemic, I was the Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO) at a travel startup. The COVID-19 pandemic crushed our business, but it also presented an opportunity for my team to fix some fundamental issues with our product and technology. Despite the reduced team size and my significant salary cut for two years to help the company survive, the pressure to deliver was immense. All the while, we were waiting for the market to come back.

The travel restrictions and delays in vaccinations meant I was stuck in Berlin, far from family and friends. All I did was work and work and work. Sleep became a luxury I couldn't afford, and I gained weight from poor habits and a lack of motivation to take care of myself. Despite my dedication, I was regularly taking a beating from our inexperienced CEO. The situation became unbearable, and I ultimately resigned. It wasn't because I wanted to leave my team, the product, or the company, but because I couldn't work for the CEO one more minute. My body was telling me to RUN!

Why Tech Professionals Are Particularly Susceptible

Tech professionals are particularly vulnerable to burnout due to several factors:

• High Expectations and Tight Deadlines: The tech industry is known for its fast pace and high expectations, which can create a relentless work environment.¹

• Continuous Learning Curve: The need to constantly update skills and knowledge to keep up with technological advancements can be exhausting.²

• Isolation: Remote work, while offering flexibility, can also lead to feelings of isolation, especially when combined with long hours.³

• Pressure to Innovate: The demand for continuous innovation and improvement can be overwhelming, leading to chronic stress.⁴

Recognizing Burnout Symptoms

Burnout is more than just feeling stressed or tired; it is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion. Here are some common symptoms:

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained and overwhelmed by work demands.

• Reduced Performance: Struggling to meet deadlines or maintain productivity.

• Detachment: Feeling disconnected or indifferent towards work.

• Physical Symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, weight gain or loss, and frequent illnesses.

• Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and decreased creativity.⁵

Supporting Data

Research supports the prevalence of burnout among tech professionals. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy.⁶ The impact on women is even worse, with nearly half (46%) reporting burnout and 69% expressing that they feel run-down and drained of energy.⁷

Moving Forward

I spent the six months after I resigned trying like hell to remember how to listen to my body. The first thing it screamed was “SLEEP!” But the second thing was “Ask for help!”

It was working with my coach that helped me to deal with the grief of the nearly 3 years prior, and as my body, mind and spirit found alignment, I could really listen to what I needed. And what I needed was movement, sunshine, good nutrition, and enough water.

It scares me sometimes to think of what would have happened if I hadn’t left and gotten help.

But you don’t necessarily have to quit or shut down. If you're experiencing burnout or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your role, let’s talk. I am always available for coaching, and I offer a sliding scale to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need. Visit leahfarmer.com to learn more and schedule a free discovery session.

Hugs from someone that’s been there,

Leah

1. https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/burnout-in-the-tech-sector-why-is-it-happening-and-what-are-the-solutions/485039

2. https://www.pluralsight.com/resources/blog/cloud/tech-it-worker-burnout

3. https://bootcamp.berkeley.edu/blog/mental-health-resources-to-help-prevent-creative-and-professional-burnout/

4. https://www.careerist.com/insights/burnout-in-tech-what-causes-it-and-how-to-deal-with-it

5. https://www.careerist.com/insights/burnout-in-tech-what-causes-it-and-how-to-deal-with-it

6. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBurn%2Dout%20is%20a%20syndrome,related%20to%20one's%20job%3B%20and

7. https://www.cio.com/article/657960/burnout-an-it-epidemic-in-the-making.html