Re:Ask HN: How do you get out of a rut?
by ChrisMarshallNY on Wednesday January 26, 2022 @05:36AM
(#30083855)
Good advice.
There’s a couple of different kinds of “rut,” though:
1) Ennui
The project has become a “slog,” and I am tired of the grind.
This happens pretty much daily, for me.
2) Burnout
Is this my life? Where did I go wrong? Should I just pack it in?
This tends to happen as the project nears completion, and I’m “polishing the fenders.” The work is more “rote,” the bugs are harder to find, and I get disgusted, by looking at my code.
If it is #1, then “taking a short break” usually works. I may take a short nap, watch some TV, go out for a meal, play a video game, take a walk, etc. A change of scenery can do wonders.
If it is #2, then I need to take a more significant “break.” I will often find an alternate project to work on. Many folks will take a vacation. Coming back can be difficult, but, once I’m fully engaged, again, I find I am back to full sail.
I tend to work on alternate projects. I find it invigorating, and keeps me “in the swing.” That does not work for many folks, as they need a far more comprehensive “change of scenery.” I know folks that go on wilderness vacations.
I actually did a #2 break, the last couple of days. I have been working on a project for the last year, and we are approaching ship (still a ways off, but we can see it, from here). I was starting to feel quite “burnt.” As you approach “ship,” the work becomes a lot more “picky,” you have to say “no” to other team members, and you start to feel the responsibility, settling on your shoulders.
I took on a Web site project. I’m not a Web designer, by trade, but I do OK. It took me a couple of days.
It was one of those projects, where things had been allowed to “rot,” and I was cleaning up a “mess.” Gave me an excuse to grouse and rant, while I got the site back on its feet. I do a lot of volunteer work.
I’m done, and will be getting back to the main project, now. I’m looking forward to it.
One big problem, is that employers tend to take a dim view of employees “taking a break.” This is especially true of #2.
In that case, you may not have a choice. It can profoundly affect the quality of the deliverable. The employer needs to get with reality. It may not happen; especially if they are “self-made” type As (like many startup founders). Large corporations tend to be better than small shops.
I’m semi-retired. I can do what I want. I did not have that luxury, before.
There’s a couple of different kinds of “rut,” though:
1) Ennui
2) Burnout If it is #1, then “taking a short break” usually works. I may take a short nap, watch some TV, go out for a meal, play a video game, take a walk, etc. A change of scenery can do wonders.If it is #2, then I need to take a more significant “break.” I will often find an alternate project to work on. Many folks will take a vacation. Coming back can be difficult, but, once I’m fully engaged, again, I find I am back to full sail.
I tend to work on alternate projects. I find it invigorating, and keeps me “in the swing.” That does not work for many folks, as they need a far more comprehensive “change of scenery.” I know folks that go on wilderness vacations.
I actually did a #2 break, the last couple of days. I have been working on a project for the last year, and we are approaching ship (still a ways off, but we can see it, from here). I was starting to feel quite “burnt.” As you approach “ship,” the work becomes a lot more “picky,” you have to say “no” to other team members, and you start to feel the responsibility, settling on your shoulders.
I took on a Web site project. I’m not a Web designer, by trade, but I do OK. It took me a couple of days.
It was one of those projects, where things had been allowed to “rot,” and I was cleaning up a “mess.” Gave me an excuse to grouse and rant, while I got the site back on its feet. I do a lot of volunteer work.
I’m done, and will be getting back to the main project, now. I’m looking forward to it.
One big problem, is that employers tend to take a dim view of employees “taking a break.” This is especially true of #2.
In that case, you may not have a choice. It can profoundly affect the quality of the deliverable. The employer needs to get with reality. It may not happen; especially if they are “self-made” type As (like many startup founders). Large corporations tend to be better than small shops.
I’m semi-retired. I can do what I want. I did not have that luxury, before.