How I Stayed Motivated During Burnout
10 May 2025
I gave up on coding. I gave up on applying.
For almost a month, I didn’t touch a line of code or my CV.
I felt done. Exhausted. Burnt out.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, I enrolled in a 12-month coding bootcamp. I was determined. About halfway through the program, I began applying for jobs. I had a routine code during the day, apply at night but it started to feel like I was running on fumes.
I wasn't hearing back. I began applying to internships that were even offering to teach how to code, even though I was already coding. I felt overqualified but under-chosen. The burnout hit hard.
But slowly, I found small things that helped me survive that season mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
What Helped Me Get Through It
God First
I prayed a lot. Honestly, prayer gave me peace when I had no control over outcomes.
Gaming
Games like GTA RP, Fortnite and FIFA helped me escape mentally. They gave me a breather when life felt overwhelming.
Music
I always had my headphones on, drowning out anxiety with my favorite tunes.
Conversations
Talking to others in tech reminded me that I wasn't alone in this struggle.
The Turning Point
One big thing that kept me going was remembering my early wins.
Before all this burnout, I had landed a well-paying gig. It wasn't a permanent role, but it showed me what was possible. That early success became a reminder:
If it happened once, it can happen again.
That thought was like fuel in my dry season.
Also, let's be honest: social media didn't help. Seeing people post wins back to back while I was stuck made things worse. I had to take breaks and remind myself: "You're on your journey, and that's okay."
Eventually, I picked myself back up, started coding again not for a job, but for myself. I started applying again, more intentionally this time. I'm now planning to build in public to share my journey openly, not just the wins, but the struggles too. I’ve stopped trying to be perfect. And slowly, I’m coming back stronger.
A Message to You
If you're in that space right now exhausted, discouraged, and wondering if it's worth it you're not alone.
Take a break. Take care of yourself. Pray. Game. Breathe.
Then come back stronger. You've got this. 🙏🎮💻