The Rise and Fall of Passion in Software Engineering
We start with uprising passion in the start of any job, but then things settle and life gets in the way. Here's what to do when things are falling down for you.
Hello Friends,
I hope you’re doing well since I last wrote to you a month and a half ago. In case you forgot, I’m Basma, the writer of the An Engineer’s Echo newsletter for software engineering career growth and huddles.
I have been off for a while because I put myself under too much pressure over the past 6-7 months. Many things were happening in my personal life, and I decided to be consistent in writing, which felt like a second job alongside my 9-5 as a software engineer.
I decided to take a deliberate break and remove many of the burdens I was putting on myself. I think it worked, as I am slowly recovering and getting back to normal life activities.
Today, I want to write about the rise and fall of passion in software engineering as my first article after the break.
We'll explore the following:
My recipe for refueling your motivation to work.
How things start and how they degrade.
How to prevent yourself from falling.
My recipe for rising after falling.
Passion is OK but it’s not enough
I realized that I don’t have the same passion for software engineering as I used to. I understand that passion isn’t necessary—it’s a fuel to start. It’s like the spark when you first get married, but then consistency, patience, and dedication matter along the way.
The thing is about how to find that sweet spot.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: the journey of passion in software engineering. We'll explore how we start our careers full of enthusiasm, the challenges that arise, and strategies to reignite that initial spark.
↘️ The Fall
The enthusiastic beginnings
Remember your first day as a software engineer? The excitement of solving complex problems, creating something new, and the endless possibilities? I remember my first day vividly, along with the first few months of enthusiasm. This initial phase is often characterized by a high level of passion and motivation. You’re eager to learn, innovate, and make a difference.
I was so enthusiastic about knowing everything about the field and the systems. I envied those who were more senior than me—they seemed to know everything! Now, I hear new people saying the same about me. They feel I know everything (though it’s not true; no one knows everything, we just get used to the systems).
The shift to routine
As time passes, the once thrilling work can turn into routine. Daily tasks might start to feel repetitive. You handle similar issues, attend the same meetings, and work on projects that no longer challenge you. The excitement fades, and what was once a passion can become just a job.
It can be a blessing to do the same thing every day, so you do the work with less effort and time. But it can feel monotonous if you view it from the “boredom” perspective.
Dealing with people and managers
Interacting with colleagues and managers adds another layer of complexity. Navigating office politics, managing expectations, and handling miscommunications can be draining. A once supportive environment might start to feel stressful, and dealing with difficult personalities can become a significant source of frustration.
Recently, I have been dealing with a passive-aggressive situation with someone. I might be crazy and something may not be going on.
But, in the end, to deal with people that you don’t feel safe or comfortable with, is not an easy thing.
The burden of workload
The workload in software engineering can be overwhelming. Tight deadlines, multiple projects, and the pressure to constantly upskill can take a toll. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re juggling too many tasks, leading to mistakes and a constant sense of falling behind.
Burnout
All these factors contribute to burnout. Burnout in software engineering is real and can be devastating. It’s the result of prolonged stress, lack of work-life balance, and the feeling of being stuck. Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, and decreased performance. Recognizing these signs early is crucial to address the issue before it escalates.
I have been there more than once, first in my first job and second in my current job. The trick is to recognize that point where you’re about to go down before actually going down. So, it becomes easier to deal with burnout before it hits hard. I wasn’t so clever to recognize that point, so it hit me hard this time. But I found a way.
↗️ The Rise
The above is not an invitation for depression. Luckily, there’s good news! It’s possible to reignite your passion for software engineering, or at least, if not passion, you can keep going with much more ease, without having to drag yourself out of bed every morning.
I found that taking small steps, one at a time, makes things a lot easier. Here are other things that have helped me and can help you:
1. Reflect and Reassess:
Take a step back and reflect on why you chose this career. What aspects of software engineering excited you initially? Identify those elements and find ways to incorporate them back into your work.
If you can’t find any or don’t care about those reasons anymore, consider a career shift. If you find good reasons, keep reminding yourself of them. I do that by writing them down where I can easily see them.
2. Set Realistic Goals:
Break down your tasks into manageable pieces and set achievable goals. This approach can help you regain a sense of accomplishment and control over your workload.
I started writing a to-do list of things I needed to accomplish the next day. Each morning, I know there’s a small, limited list to finish by day’s end. This gave me comfort, eliminating the worry about the “unknown” workday.
3. Seek Support:
Don’t hesitate to seek support from peers, mentors, or even a professional counselor. Sharing your concerns can provide new perspectives and solutions.
I speak openly about my burnout with my tech lead and manager. You will find support or at least consideration for what you’re going through.
4. Prioritize Self-Care:
Make time for activities outside of work that you enjoy. Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can recharge your energy and improve your mental health.
I started spending more time with my family. I planned two vacations—one for tourism and the other for a family visit. Both are igniting me in ways I couldn’t imagine.
5. Communicate Openly:
If you’re struggling, communicate with your manager or team. A supportive work environment should make adjustments to help you manage your workload better.
If you can’t find that support, consider leaving that company. You can work as a freelancer better than working in an inconsiderate environment.
6. Continuous Learning:
Enroll in courses or attend workshops to learn new skills. Sometimes, learning something new can reignite your passion and bring back the excitement.
7. Embrace Change:
Don’t be afraid to seek new opportunities within or outside your current organization. Sometimes, a change of environment or role can make a significant difference.
Remember, it’s a journey with its ups and downs. By being mindful and proactive, you can navigate through challenging times and come out stronger.
Never lose hope, things get better. Just keep trying :)
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know by hitting the like button ❤️ to help others find it on Substack, and share it to spread the love!
That’s all folks, let me know what you think of this article in the comments. Or message me directly on any tech topics you’d like to discuss! I’d love to hear from you. 😊
— Basma