Burned Out On What I Loved To Do

[TRU]

It's been ten years since I dedicated all my energy and passion towards what I loved to do- everything that encompasses IT. I loved it all: network administration and security, various types of tech support, systems level programming, web development, hardware and maintenance, graphic design, etc. It was basically a 24/7 thing for me, it's all I ever cared about. It's what I did, so to speak. It's what defined me.

But I finally realized that I am so burned out from it. It's really no longer enjoyable for me. All these types of technologies are wonderful to have, and make life so much easier, but they are so damn fickle, I've realized that I am literally being compulsive about it all. I'm having to force myself to keep up to date with everything, and the crazy thing about information technology, is the fact that everything is constantly evolving and changing. And I'm just tired of it.

I am in my mid twenties, and originally planned on doing this for the rest of my life. But I can't dedicate myself to it anymore. I finally realized that if I have to force myself to stay motivated and interested. I'm just burned out on it all.

Now I don't know what I'm going to do, I'm obviously not going to change my career over night, or quit my job. But I am definitely going to look for a different path to take in life. I've always been interested in biology, so maybe I'll go back to school and major in that.


Has anybody ever gone through this type of thing before?

 

[TropicThunder]

In today's time, the average person will change their career path multiple times. The best part is that you're in your 20s, and you have lots of time to make decisions.

 

[tyf69]

After 37 years of electroic and electrical work, I myself, am burned out. Think I'll retire

 

[GQguy]

I feel you bro. Do it now to pay the bills while scheming and preparing for your next move. I've done it before and I'm so much happier as a result. I also suggest checking out new cities too if you have a shot.

GQ

 

[Bothersome]

Not yet... but I'll be glad to eat your brain, absorb your knowledge, and continue where you left off. =P

 

[Marquis De Sade]

Nope, never happened to me. But kudos for you for recognizing that happiness is more important and looking for something else. Most people don't seem to be that brave. 🙂

 

[kopfhorer]

With electronics these days, no sooner do you learn one thing but wham! It's obsolete and you have to learn something else. So I know how you must feel!

 

[Dussicar]

Heh.

I read the title and thought this thread was going to be about pot for some reason.

Heh, heh, heh.

 

[GEORGIATKLER]

Burnout is a bitch!

All work and no play...... I admire you for having expertise in a field that is still in demand these days. You do have to aim for a balance in life of work, social interactions, hobbies,volunteering, etc. The nose to the grindstone approach will/should get you kudos in the workplace(or at least make your boss look good), but that is only part of a whole person. Can you talk with a counselor at the county mental health department or just with some close friends to try to put it all in perspective. Good luck and I hope you can find a better balance.

 

[PiedPiper]

Absolutely,....

I spent 14 years in newspapers, magazines and ad agencies,...very successfully, but burned out (and got sort of bored, too) at age 33,.... and switched over to building yachts,... ended up as a private contractor and later a construction engineer for a major high-tech engineering firm...... I managed to continue teaching a class here and there,... and publishing articles from time to time,...... Much better way to manage a career, IMO.