The worst thing that can happen to your career is burnout.  This situation can do lasting damage to your reputation as well as eat away at years of progress.  Therefore, any steps you take to avoid burnout are worthwhile.  Likewise, the situation is one that makes even desperate attempts at avoiding it worth the risk.  The suggestions we review are not complicated, can be done quickly, and often turn the tide towards burnout.

Make A Change

A change is always critical to avoid burnout.  The situation you are in has been too steady and consistent for too long.  That is at least part of what led to burnout.  Thus, we need to make a change.  The course we have been on needs to be adjusted in some way before we go off a cliff.  The way to change is going to vary from person to person.  You might even be able to make an adjustment in an unrelated area of your life that steers you away from burning out.

Making a Change to Stir the Pot

Adjust Your Schedule

Mixing up how you do the things you do can be that necessary change.  Sometimes the rut we are in is just a matter of doing the same thing at the same time.  Maybe you are tired of starting or ending your day with the same task.  Sometimes our habits and routines become a little too automatic and lack thought.  Think about daily or weekly tasks like working out, catching up on the news, or even eating.  All of these things can be wholly mindless and joyless.  Maybe you need to get back to enjoying some of these everyday tasks to avoid burnout.

Burnout and How To Avoid It While Staying Productive

Adopt a New Goal Or Hobby

A more significant change we can make is to adopt a new goal or hobby.  This step may include things like a job or career change.  However, you often will be able to stop short of such drastic action in making a noticeable change.  The general attitude around this option is similar to the idea of a New Year’s Resolution.  There are times in our lives that are best-suited to a change.  Funny enough, avoiding going over a cliff of burnout is one such time.  This situation is perfect for doing that thing you always thought about whether learning a skill, enjoying new recreation avenues, or knocking something off of your bucket list.

Hobby Ideas For Those Bad At Hobbies

Rob Broadhead

Rob is a founder of, and frequent contributor to, Develpreneur. This includes the Building Better Developers podcast. He is also a lifetime learner as a developer, designer, and manager of software solutions. Rob is the founder of RB Consulting and has managed to author a book about his family experiences and a few about becoming a better developer. In his free time, he stays busy raising five children (although they have grown into adults). When he has a chance to breathe, he is on the ice playing hockey to relax or working on his ballroom dance skills.

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