How to Know If You're Burned Out
May 05, 2025Burnout is a silent productivity killer and in the tech world, it’s more common than you think. Long hours, constant learning, and pressure to deliver can take a toll on even the most passionate coders. But how do you know if you’re actually burned out, and not just having a rough week?
In this post, we’ll explore the common signs of developer burnout and how to differentiate it from everyday stress.
What Is Developer Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. For developers, it often stems from unrealistic deadlines, poor work-life balance, or feeling disconnected from the purpose of their work.
Common Signs You’re Burned Out
1. You Dread Opening Your IDE
If the thought of pushing code makes your stomach sink or you’ve started procrastinating daily stand ups you might be slipping into burnout.
2. You’re Not Proud of Your Work Anymore
Even when you do finish a task, it doesn’t feel rewarding. You push code, but there’s no satisfaction just relief that it’s over.
3. Cognitive Fog and Decision Fatigue
Simple problems feel like unsolvable puzzles. You stare at the screen, unable to decide if you should write a for loop or use .map(). This mental fatigue is a key burnout indicator.
4. You’ve Lost Interest in Learning
Remember when you used to tinker with side projects or read up on new frameworks? If that curiosity is gone, it may be more than just a phase.
5. You’re Constantly Tired, Even After Rest
Sleep doesn’t fix it. Coffee doesn’t help. Your energy levels are depleted, no matter how much downtime you get.
6. You Avoid Communication
Slack messages go unread. PR reviews pile up. You feel overwhelmed just seeing notifications even from teammates.
7. Physical Symptoms Are Showing
Burnout isn’t just mental. Headaches, digestive issues, or tight shoulders might be your body’s way of telling you to slow down.
Burnout vs. Stress: Know the Difference
| Stress | Burnout | |
|---|---|---|
| Emotion | Over-engaged | Disengaged |
| Energy | Hyperactive | Exhausted |
| Motivation | Still present | Gone |
| Performance | Drops slightly | Drops significantly |
| Recovery | Possible with short break | Requires deeper recovery and change |
What You Can Do
- Talk to someone — a manager, mentor, or therapist
- Take a real break — not just weekends where you still check GitHub
- Re-evaluate your workload — set boundaries on hours and commitments
- Focus on meaningful tasks — reconnect with the impact of your work
- Consider a change — role, team, or even a sabbatical if possible