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 weren't 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. 🙏🎮💻