Overcoming Burnout

Comments

13 responses to “Overcoming Burnout”

1. 

   Russ

   1/23/2008

   This is something I struggled with a lot as well. I was very nearly burned out (to the “I hate computers” stage) a year ago.

   I’ve fully recovered now. Though I’m a bit wiser about time spent randomly dorking with machines.

   Breaks are needed, and there’s a limit to how hard one can push constantly. I’m enjoying my point of life right now (grad student, random freelance stuff) – I could be making more money elsewhere, but I really enjoy what I do, and I’m making more than enough to live on.

   Taking time to sit and read is very nice as well.

   -=Russ=-

   Reply
2. 

   Scott

   1/24/2008

   Matt,

   A big part of success in a highly networked world is controlling connectivity rather than letting your connections control you. I think you made a big step forward by shutting down some of your access points (phone, email, messaging, etc.) and spending time with your immediate family (a good place to regroup and find your calm). The next step is generally to be more judicious as you open yourself up to networking opportunities and design contracts. Success at design work generally requires long hours… but that simply reinforces the need (in my mind) to gauge your energy levels. Those paying for your work should understand that you’re protecting your own reputation by defending the quality of your output. Capisce?

   Scotty K

   Reply
3. 

   jbdysart

   1/25/2008

   I totally agree with Russ. Working in the IT industry, it is very easy to become burned out by computer problems, programming, and even the everyday use.

   What I find useful when this occurs is to simply take a break, step back and take a few deep breaths.

   Reply
4. 

   Craig

   2/06/2008

   Hi Matt,

   I was facing exactly the same thing in my business before Christmas. It felt like I was constantly working and never achieving.

   This year, I have:
   * Realigned my work to my strengths so I’m mostly doing the stuff I’m good at and enjoy.
   * Decided on my 3 main priorities and work on them every day.
   * Changed my email from checking every minute to every hour.
   * Started leaving the office at 8pm every night (I start late too).
   * Started spending more time with friends and relaxing.
   * Banned myself from even working on the fun stuff on Sundays.

   Now, I think my productivity has quadrupled and every day I seem to be ticking important tasks off my list.

   I feel great, and life a lot more fun now.

   It’s ‘nice’ to hear others are going through the same and coming out the other side as well.

   Best Regards,
   Craig

   Reply
5. 

   Greg Frey – Web Designer

   2/27/2008

   I quit my job and became a lecturer for a year. Fortunately they rehired me.

   Reply
6. 

   James Creare

   2/29/2008

   Matt, don’t worry your not alone.

   I started working for the company that I work at now, and I don’t know exactly how it happened, but over the course of the last two years, I have gone from working Mon-Fr 9-5 to now working Mon – Sat 8am – 8pm.

   My pay has gone up over the last two years, but i have just felt snowed under for the last 2-3 months in particular. It really takes it out of you, and you start to lose your grip and ability with your work, especially with designing.

   I find at the moment, I am cutting corners, and just generally getting fed-up with the dense and long projects that we are undertaking.

   Like you said, you have to take time out to just, remember what is important in life.

   Reply
7. 

   Chris

   2/29/2008

   Great blog entry. I had a case of extreme burnout about six years ago. I had to really re-prioritize my work life and in an odd way it made me a more competent designer / developer. I’m pretty broke now LOL! so I can’t say the decision has been the best for my finances, but at the same time I enjoy life more, my work seems that it’s more precise mainly because I enjoy it more. I actually work to make myself happy with the work rather than just satisfying the clients need exclusively.

   I wanted to say that you did a great thing by acknowledging yourself and your own well being and that you and your work will only be better for it.

   Take it easy.

   Reply
8. 

   Jason Marsh – Website designer

   3/06/2008

   Howzit Matt It’s scary how quick it can happen when swamped with multiple projects going at the same time, especially when you are dealing with clients with limited vision, even less constructive feedback and unrealistic ideas. A lot of good designs never see the web cos of this, so it’s important to find an alternative creative out let where you aren’t constrained by clients

   Reply
9. 

   jamie

   3/14/2008

   i think sometimes you just have to go home from work and forget about it, think about yourself cos if you don’t you will make the same mistakes again.

   Reply
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    3/20/2008

    […] awhile about a year ago, out of necessity, not insomnia. Use carefully, however, as it lead to burnout for […]

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11. 

    Free Article Resources

    4/03/2008

    that’s really a fantastic post ! ! added to my favourite blogs list. .

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12. 

    Myspace Layouts Resources

    4/03/2008

    that’s really a fantastic post ! ! added to my favourite blogs list.

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    6/16/2008

    […] awhile about a year ago, out of necessity, not insomnia. Use carefully, however, as it lead to burnout for […]

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