Ask HN: Tips for managing burnout while balncing fulltime work and side projects

8 points by fayazara 1 year ago | 6 comments

I currently work full-time while also building side projects that generate a decent income. Recently, I've been experiencing severe burnout symptoms: I still enjoy creating, but I'm starting to feel emotionally numb, and my sleep schedule has become weird. I am rarely doing anything other than work.

Additionally, I'm struggling to establish clear boundaries between my job and side projects. I often find myself working on my side projects during work hours and vice versa, which leads to feelings of guilt on both fronts.

However, I'd like to continue pursuing both my full-time job and side projects. Do you have any actionable tips for managing this balance and combating burnout?

Any insights or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

GianFabien 1 year ago |

I did what you are doing for just over 2 years. The burnout got to the point where I quit my full-time job and tried to make my side-project the only project. That didn't work out either. Ended up doing a form of detox (work can become an addiction).

When we're young, we do stupid and self-destructive things. But working more than 60 hours a week for years creates dire health problems. The human body and mind is not capable of 100+ hours work on a sustainable basis.

Based on my experiences, I would suggest you take time-out, reassess your priorities and craft a healthier future.

BTW in many jurisdictions your full-time employer can make claims on the work you do on side-projects, especially if it contains intellectual property that is related to the work you do in your full-time job. I personally know at least 2 persons who got sued by their employer for that reason. That is additional stress that can break some people.

Clyd3Radcliff3 1 year ago |

I've been through this in the past, so i can understand you.

> Additionally, I'm struggling to establish clear boundaries between my job and side projects. I often find myself working on my side projects during work hours and vice versa, which leads to feelings of guilt on both fronts. This is one problem i also had, just discipline yourself to make sure you allocate the time properly, for your paying job it will be easy just follow the 8-5 rule, for you personal allocate 1,2 hours for that, no more.

For me it was very important to separate the 2 things, make sure that you put something between the 2, physical activity would be good (run, walk, but also clean the house and/or prepare a meal), you will have more energy and passion to put into your personal project.

Another big mistake that i made was to think that i could be 99% into work+personal project, dedicating time to other activities such as: playing guitar, drawing, going out with friends (or whatever different interest you have), the important thing is that is something NOT RELATED to standing in front of a PC.

After all, we are human being and our soul must be fullfilled with other things as well, job and personal project will benefit more thant you could do by being obsessed with them and not caring about you as a whole.

Make sure that a passion doesn't become an obsession. Hope it helps.

bubblebeard 1 year ago |

Having been in a similar position myself, I understand how hard it can be to let go of either the one or the other. I would suggest you cut down on your hours at work (your steady job), and spend this gained freedom on something which relaxes you and which does not involve a computer or TV. For example walks, bathing, reading fiction, or some other hobby. Since your side projects generate an income this shouldn’t hurt you too much financially, and as your business grow you can cut back more hours from your day job in time.

For me, I had to take a different approach and dropped something I really cared about. But two years on I can say it was the right decision. Putting too much strain on yourself will only end badly, so I’m happy to hear you are attempting to take steps to prevent that.

Best of luck!

purple-leafy 1 year ago |

Great news, it can be fixed/changed. But you need to change your requirements.

I too build side projects and worked full time until recently. I burnt out very hard, I started struggling at work and hating building and coding, and dreaming of becoming a gardener or sailor… lol

I asked my company to drop my work hours to 32 hours across 4 days.

Less pay but I feel so much better now. Shorter work week, longer weekend, full day for side projects.

You absolutely cannot work full time and work on side projects without burning out. The money is not worth it.

simonhfrost 1 year ago |

If you're seriously worried about your health, the only solution is to reduce your working hours. If you're making decent progress with side projects and you have the financial means (no dependents, no debt, savings) I would quit your job if you think you prevent overwork :).

mjomaa 1 year ago |

Cover the basics. Sleep 9h (yes), eat healthy, do some exercise, etc. but most important is sleep imo.