Ask HN: How to get motivated after burnout • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: How to get motivated after burnout

#11

Post by mementomori » Tue, Jun 16, 2020, 6:07 PM UTC

rs23296008n1 wrote: post #9

mementomori wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not sure about that, sometimes I feel like I am only happy when I'm doing nothing. I guess this is a good analogy; bottom out, admit defeat, and then start over new. But preferably in the same industry which pays well.

Take a break. Do something else for a month and return. I don't know why this is unwelcome or even controversial advice. This strategy has already lifted others out of their darkness so I can only wonder about the motives of those who disagree. So yeah, burn out is a thing. Use it. Build your resilience. Re-examine your purpose and reconnect with it.

This really resonated with me, thanks so much.

Re: Ask HN: How to get motivated after burnout

#12

Post by mementomori » Tue, Jun 16, 2020, 6:24 PM UTC

cyberdrunk wrote: post #8

Try getting a job on a smaller codebase and in a language whose ecosystem you understand very well (if there isn't any, work on it in the spare time you have now). This will significantly reduce the initial hurdles on the job for you.

That's a great idea. I currently have an opportunity to help a friend with their codebase on a consulting basis without substantial pay. I am still anxious and resentful towards compensation but it's an opportunity to practice working.

Re: Ask HN: How to get motivated after burnout

#13

Post by mementomori » Tue, Jun 16, 2020, 6:25 PM UTC

sfgweilr4f wrote: post #10

Sounds like your approach to work might be the problem. Mix it up. Pick a simple side project and start then finish it. Doesn't even need to be software. The act of finishing it is the important part. During a funk in my 20s I went into a city Id never been to and spent the whole day looking at art. Thoroughly bored out of my skull. But over the next few days I had so many ideas for things. Perhaps you need to get re…

So it seems like what worked for you was a complete change of context for a period of time, and allowing the mind to wander instead of labor towards a goal? That is an interesting idea. I am currently extremely bored and extremely anxious at the same time, so maybe that would work.