Professional Burnout and Impostor Syndrome – Experience of looking for a job in IT

22 December 2023

professional burnout and impostor syndrome

Hi, it’s Kajo from KajoData! As someone in the IT industry, I want to talk about something that affects many of us, whether we’re job hunting or entrenched in our careers. I’m referring to professional burnout & impostor syndrome. It’s a state that can overwhelm any of us, and distinguishing it from mere fatigue can be challenging. Today, I’ll share my experiences and observations about this phenomenon.

Impostor Syndrome – The Silent Companion of Your Career

One of the first signals that may indicate burnout is the impostor syndrome. It’s that feeling of not deserving your successes or fearing that soon someone will “discover” you’re not as good as others think. In the IT world, where continuous development and learning are daily, it’s easy to fall into the trap of this syndrome.

Symptoms of Professional Burnout

Professional burnout manifests in various ways. You might experience chronic fatigue, lack of motivation for work, or even cynicism towards what you do. From my experience, these symptoms often appear in people who are intensely searching for a job in IT, as well as those who are already working in the field.

Impostor Syndrome in Practice

Impostor syndrome often accompanies us when we get promoted or change our career paths. Each new stage triggers concerns about our competencies. In the IT sector, where technologies change rapidly, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and start doubting your skills.

Emotional Exhaustion

This is a state where we feel completely drained, both mentally and emotionally. After an intense day at work or a series of job interviews, we might feel so exhausted that we prefer to avoid all social interactions.

How to Deal with Burnout?

Here are a few ways that have helped me:

  1. Acceptance and Understanding: The first step is acknowledging that burnout is a real problem and understanding its sources in our professional life.
  2. Managing Expectations: Setting realistic goals and a work pace can significantly reduce the risk of burnout.
  3. Surrounding Yourself with Support: The environment we are in greatly affects our well-being. It’s important to be around people who inspire and support us.
  4. Healthy Lifestyle: We should not neglect our body’s basic needs – proper nutrition, sleep, and physical activity.
  5. Regular Breaks and Rest: Whether you’re in the process of job hunting or already working in IT, regular rest is key.

Conclusion

Professional burnout and impostor syndrome are challenges faced by many professionals in the IT industry. It’s important to recognize and respond to them appropriately. Remember, both your mental and physical health are crucial for your professional and personal success.

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