Developer Burnout and Balance: What I’ve Learned So Far
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough airtime: developer burnout and balance — or more accurately, trying to find balance while everything’s on fire.
Besides pointing out one thing here, I am already calling myself a developer😅
Three weeks into this journey of walking more, coding more, and trying to be a decent human, I hit a wall. And not even a dramatic, crash-and-burn kind of wall. It was more like a slow leak. You know — the kind where suddenly you’re out of energy and motivation, and you don’t even remember when it started.
For example, I sat in front of the computer, thinking, I should prepare a few other posts about this, need to continue journaling… and boom, empty. OK, OK, let’s code a bit… and boom, coding burnout… I need to play with Emma… and boom, not enough creativity to help her.
And I thought burnout was something that happened to other people.
When Burnout Sneaks Up Quietly
If you’ve been following along since Post 4, you know I didn’t start this journey with a big plan — just movement. And in Post 5, I finally got around to naming actual goals.
But here’s what I didn’t expect: how easy it is to burn out even on things you like.
Trying to be consistent with coding, walking, writing, tracking habits, being a present dad, supportive husband, and productive adult — it’s… a lot, but at this point, I was even doubting, am I procrastinating again and am I starting to get burned. 🤔
And when the pressure builds (even if it’s self-imposed), that’s when burnout creeps in.
The Wrap-Ups I Didn’t Write
I had a plan. I was going to publish a neat little weekly wrap-up for Week 2. Then Week 3.
Instead?
I ghosted my blog. Not because I didn’t care — but because I was overwhelmed by the idea of keeping up.
What did happen:
- I half-updated the habit follow-up tracker as a way to feel progress, but in reality, I was procrastinating (and moving at the same time)
- I drafted part of previous posts and never finished those.
- I beat myself up more than once for “slipping”
But the real lesson here? Burnout recovery for developers doesn’t always start with rest — it starts with honesty.
Redefining “Balance” as a Parent + Dev
So what does work-life balance for devs like me even look like?
It’s definitely not some serene, color-coded calendar. It’s more like:
- Walking laps in socks while my daughter tries to climb me, or play around me while I am walking in the treadmill
- Writing drafts at 11 PM after bedtime routines or after completing some tasks from my job
- Coding while my brain does mental gymnastics about bills, projects, and dinner
Balance isn’t about being in control. It’s about adapting — even if it’s messy and imperfect.
How I’m Resetting After Burnout
Here’s what I’m doing now to pull myself out of the mental slump:
1. Admit I’m Burned Out
No toxic positivity. Just facts, I am tired, I am trying to cover multiple fronts, not only from the goals I have set, I have a full-time job and still get some time to freelance.
2. Lower the Bar (Seriously)
One task per day. That’s it. If I hit more, great. If not, no guilt, but still, need to be committed, even when taking a 💩, instead of crazy scrolling through TikTok, I could check some documentation, write a few posts ideas or finally shaping episode 0.
3. Update My Tracker Anyway
Even when the numbers look sad, the habit follow-up page keeps me grounded. But still, even when it’s looking empty and depressing, not checking it to beat myself but to remember that there are multiple things I could be doing and will still be improving my life.
4. Remember Why I Started
This journey was never about being perfect. It was about being real, transparent and honest with me. Remember, no-one besides me gives a shit.
You’re Not Alone (Seriously)
I found a great external read on preventing developer burnout from Dragos Nedelcu(theseniordev) that gave me perspective: burnout isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a signal that something needs adjusting, and he provides a few tips on how to avoid burn out as a developer.
If you’re here, juggling code and life and wondering if you’re the only one who can’t “keep up” — I promise you’re not.
🚀 Let’s talk honestly:
What’s your go-to strategy when burnout hits?
Whether it’s rest, routine, or rage-quitting social media — I want to hear it. Drop it in the comments and let’s share notes.
And if you want to follow this real-time rollercoaster, check out the habit follow-up page — I update it with the wins, misses, and everything in between.
