Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

news.ycombinator.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

71–80 of 118 posts

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#71

Post by anko »

HiroshiSan wrote: post #50
funfunfunction wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've never been to college, but I guess I would say it seems like college is as much about figuring out what you want in life and finding people who can offer perspectives you may not have considered as it is getting an education. I grew up in small town and this sort of thing is attractive to me.

As others have pointed out it's a very expensive place to figure out what you want in life. I feel like figuring out what you want in life is just a product of growing up and being open to different experiences. College is probably a very good bubble to experience a lot of things in a safe environment where room for error is high (and I don't mean not passing your courses). But you could probably replicate this in ot…

dude turn up to random classes! nobody will notice. The chicks doing psychology are amazing.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#72

Post by paglia_s »

Have you thought about working part time? If you're 21 you probably don't have high expenses, can rent a room in a shared house instead of a full house/flat.

If your job pays decently you should be able to make it. With the remaining time you can go back to college, work on side projects or a hobby.

Then of course it depends on where you live and how much you're paid.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#73

Post by terminalcommand »

dagw wrote: post #67

I've been where you are (although I was 22). Going to university and, more importantly, studying something other than computer science was what really helped me. First it opened my eyes to all kinds of interesting areas where my programming skills could be applied. Secondly I found that being a pretty good programmer with solid domain knowledge in something other than computers (math and economics in my case) opened…

My experience is exactly the opposite. I also made the choice to study something else other than CS and got into law school. Now, I'm in my final year, and I don't know what to do.

I feel sad that I didn't have the opportunity to study CS. Outside of school/internships all I think about is still computers. I've been struggling with this throughout my entire college life.

My advice would be that if you're genuinely interested about something, think real hard before choosing another field of study.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#75

Post by newbear »

outworlder wrote: post #57
speedplane wrote: post #15

College college college college. Your 20s are when you figure out what you want to do. College is expensive but a great way to dabble in tons of stuff, socialize, and get ready for the next step. Being 21 isn't too late, plenty of people go to college at 21-22 after stints in the military. You'll be popular as you'll be able to buy your friends beer (legal disclaimer: don't do that).

To the OP: Burn out is not really something physical. You probably need some rest, but it is less than what you think (measured in days). Your own mind is dissatisfied with some of what you are doing and it is raising red flags. You need to figure out what is it. Do you like writing software? This is the first question. If you do, keep going, but you need to focus on something else. Maybe a slightly different industr…

I heard burn out is actually and unfortunately physical. Something happens to the adrenal gland and cortisol levels.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#76

Post by RickJWagner »

If you don't love software development, get out. (Maybe wait until you have a financial cushion first, though.) You won't last.

Do consider other jobs in the neighborhood. Testing, training, project management, etc. Your background can be o f use.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#77

Post by gt_ »

Read and learn about the world. Software is an achievement of western knowledge and determination. College can possibly help you with this but it's likely to burn you out again as well. Make some art. Start making music. Travel to another country. Read some books. You might just find yourself running back to your computer to code. Maybe.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#78

Post by relyio »

funfunfunction wrote: post #5
CalChris wrote: post #4

Congratulations on getting a head start on your career. Now go to college. Seriously. Start at JC. You'll kill it. Then transfer to the best university you can get into; that would be Berkeley. There's a shit ton to learn at college and a lot of interesting people to meet. You'll have a better broader handle on things than knowing everything there is about Python.

Interesting you mention Berkeley. I was visiting my sister there just this last weekend and have since considered applying. It seemed like a great place with lots of happy young people!

Are you talking about UCB? Nearly all my friends doing EECS or the likes are depressed, swamped with work and borderline suicidal. It has taken such proportions that it has become a meme on the facebook meme page UCBMFET. From what they have told me, their administration has no interest in student satisfaction or mental health.

The gruesome workload and collective depression is perhaps only topped by Waterloo.

Yeah, you get a top notch engineering education. But, I'd wager the trauma isn't worth it when you realize the workforce standards are well below what's requires of you in the "dojo".

Stanford kids seem much happier.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#79

Post by jotjotzzz »

You're so young, now is the time to think about exploring other interests. Read lots of books. Go do some traveling and immerse yourself in the world and all of its cultures outside your own. Then get involved in other activities that is not about corporate work. Volunteer your time and talents to help out others. Learn something that is outside of what you usually do, perhaps art. Since you have the skill sets that will get you hired later on -- now is the time to figure out what life is all about, what you truly value, and explore your own self-development.

Re: Ask HN: Burned out 21 year old software developer, what's next?

#80

Post by slackingoff2017 »

Stop working for startups. Crazy hours and low pay with a tiny chance of a big payoff. Go work for a big established company where the pay and benefits are good. Where you show up at 9 and leave at the stroke of 5.

Life is short, waste as little time as possible doing work for somebody else.

Post reply on HN