Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, particularly in work-related contexts. It is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy. In the tech industry, it often results from factors like unrealistic deadlines, constant on-call duties, or a lack of work-life balance.
Developers should learn about burnout to recognize its symptoms early, such as chronic fatigue, cynicism, and decreased productivity, which can lead to serious health issues and career setbacks. Understanding burnout helps in implementing preventive measures like setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and advocating for healthier work environments, especially in high-pressure fields like software development where long hours are common.