I’ve spoken with several people who aren’t sure how much longer they can handle working in IT.

Some of the most common experiences they mention:
• stress
• burnout
• the day-to-day chaos
• conflicts
• impostor syndrome
• isolation
• shame
• feeling like they’re the only one going through this

It’s hard to understand from the outside. The IT field as a whole still has opportunities that other industries don’t. That only makes it harder for those caught in this whirlwind, whether as a developer or a leader. I know of cases where the suffering is so silent that even the people they live with don’t know about it.

Thinking about all this breaks my heart.

But there’s also a sense of calm that comes to me. I’ve been through similar experiences. I had the opportunity, and luck, to learn something that changed my life.

I learned that suffering doesn’t come from outside circumstances. It comes from within, from the set of thoughts and feelings. I learned that a state of greater peace and clarity is always available. It surfaces when the volume of thoughts decreases.

We have an innate connection to a deeper feeling. It brings new ideas and an infinite capacity to see situations in new ways. We are born with it, but we forget about it.

As for staying or leaving… making decisions of this size from an agitated mind doesn’t seem like a good idea.

We gain much more clarity when the dust settles.

Believing that it’s possible to calm down may make some difference. Remembering this state that is more centered or peaceful is enough to feel some relief. Ideas always come from within when we pay attention.

If you can relate, know that you’re not alone. ❤️

I don’t have solutions or advice. The idea of what’s best for each person can only come from within.

If you’d like to learn together and share experiences, I’d be happy to listen. :)