An honest chat about burnout in tech

I burnt out. As a Creative Director in tech and as a design content creator. I feel like I'm on my way to recovery now so I wanted to sit down and talk about burnout with you; what the signs were, how I'm dealing with it, and what I'm doing going forward to avoid it.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - The signs of burnout
4:50 - Burnout denial
5:40 - Stepping off the hamster wheel
9:05 - Burnout recovery
11:58 - Creating a sustainable business
15:00 - How I’m feeling now
If you're already a subscriber, sorry that I ghosted you for 4.5 months. ❤️ If you're new to my channel please remember to click subscribe if you'd like to see more of my videos.
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// ABOUT ME
I'm Charli and I'm designer from New Zealand currently living in Valencia, Spain. I’m the Creative Director at a remote tech company called ConvertKit and I post videos about the design projects I work on and the tools I use, as well as vlogs of my life as a designer. I regularly livestream what I'm working on in Coworking Club streams. Welcome to the channel! Please subscribe and say hi in the comments, and maybe we'll see you in the live chat on the next stream.
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[@nicolepeaslee5017]

I left my job at the beginning of the year and instantly felt relief. Even though I’m leaning on a small amount of freelance income and tapping into my savings, I’ve had time to slow down and figure out what makes me happy. I was not happy at my old job. When I left, I regained my confidence AND sanity and feel excited for what’s next.

[@reframeservices]

It's digital fatigue actually, two days ago KZbin sent me an email that they will demonetize my channel because drop in watched hours. I could care less. Working with your hands or in nature is real digital detox and a way to balanced life. To balance work in IT which is abstract I do my own house renovations, walls, floors, even concrete work. It's therapeutic indeed!

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

I remember having first time burnout. I have been feeling well phyisicaly, but mentally struggled with focus on some projects, even if they were small and quick to get it done. At first couldn't figure it why it happens, then later on visiting psychologist helped me out to get over this. Later on I have changed the company and things went way better. But now I have another kind if I can call it, struggle, and that is I can't see myself doing this job in the future. Like I don't see myself in IT anymore. Another thing is I live in a country where I can't have many opportunities to jump into other fields. So I don't know. Right now, I'll stick to design, mainly because I still enjoy it and love it, and getting paid well. Hopefully eventually will figure out something later on down the line.

[@marikravtz]

I'd been working at the company for almost 6 years and experienced the same feelings you described. But along with comparing myself to other designers, I started to think that design is not what I want to continue to do. I actually started even to hate this job. For a year or so, I've understood it is definitely burnout, and I also tried to find a way to fix the situation without quitting the company (which I loved a lot). And all happened by itself - in October, the company stopped any software and design development, which means they let me go unexpectedly. Now I am still without a new job because I have not tried to get any yet. I decided I had to get this opportunity for a more extended period to recharge and clear up my relationship with design. Thanks for sharing such personal moments. It is good to know I am not alone in this, nor are you.

[@eeka3109]

I’m so pleased to see you! I actually think people posting less will have a positive impact on culture. People sees everyone hustling so everyone feels like they need to hustle too. It’s refreshing seeing someone work through burnout out and come out the other end smiling and in balance! Can’t wait to see what you do this year. Post for you and not for us! ❤

[@designthedays]

I missed your videos. It's good to hear a new perspective on how to handle burnout. I hope you continue to have time for breaks and reflection.

[@amandazoglio]

Hi! Was excited to see a video. In regards to comparing yourself to other creators, I just wanted to say that I really like that you are a “normal” working design working for a company that has demands and problems that a lot of us face. Sometimes when creators become so successful that their content becomes about creating content… not about the thing we initially followed them for (if that makes sense?). I always relate to things like “I started a design system 3 months ago… and it’s not finish” cause that’s the real world! Anyway tl;dr happy you’re back and would happily watch your 1 video a month.

[@SaraBrunettini]

I'm guilty for this too... comparing myself to full-time creators. Also, content creation demands more than we realise, it takes our whole brain capacity even when we're not actively creating. It's more than a "side" hustle, it can feel like a trap sometimes. Hope that taking a break helped you find your true self again. The optimistic one! ;)

[@johnathanmontelongo6487]

Brilliant public address and a call to arms to prioritise health and wellness. This act alone is as inspirational as the regular content you’ve put out. Here’s to clarity of thought and self-confidence!

[@Elif-nu9nv]

Thank you for being open, I felt the same things with you as a student. it made me realize that I am not alone. 🧡🌺

[@SarahKaleyyyyy]

I felt burnout for almost a full year after a particularly intense round of projects. I felt the same, that everything I read was about looking for another job, but that wasn't realistic at the time for me. In the same way you talked about comparing yourself to other creators, I did the same with your channel and thought "how does she work full time and also do this channel? I barely want to even be on my computer after work sometimes" Honestly the job had sucked the joy of design out of me and it took much longer than I expected to find it again, and a huge part of that was spending more time with projects I cared about (thanks to a good manager who listened) and, just like you did, finding hobbies outside of work that were creative in a different way and actually having fun again.

[@GemmaHelyer]

Hey Charil, it's great to see you back! Burnout is not fun and it takes a lot to recognise those feelings and prioritise yourself and your health. The hardest part is accepting you're experiencing burnout only then can you make the right decisions for yourself and how to get out of it. I'm so glad you didn't feel the need to leave your job, I've personally done this in the past and left a job. because I experienced burnout. Taking a break from your personal projects seemed like the right decision for you, and I'm glad you're feeling better. I'm excited to see what content you bring this year, I rewatch your co-working streams a lot during my day-to-day because it helps me complete my own working tasks as I work from home full time. Having someone to work beside really does keep me motivated. Super excited to see what you're going to be doing this year and looking forward to seeing your content whenever you feel like you want to post! 💛

[@ritaseumanutafapalala]

welcome back and all the best to you as you continue recovery ❤

[@KyleMerl]

Thanks for sharing that n glad ur on the upswing! I know the feeling of burnout, working as a developer. Maybe I ought to read that blog post you mentioned.

[@mansolomd]

Happy to see your new video. Thank you for the introspection into burnout. Have definitely been there. Congrats on the sewing successes.

[@joey_garibaldi]

I was just thinking the other day I haven’t seen a video from you in awhile. Glad you’re taking care of yourself!

[@raptorcreate]

love all your videos. don't ever stop.

[@taylorhoughtonphoto]

Your videos helped me so much. I felt so overwhelmed trying to learn web design; it was blessing finding your channel. Burnout is no joke. Glad you recognized it and are working towards recovering.

[@leojclarke]

Sending huuuugs! Thanks for sharing this. Always so happy to see your wonderful content, from t shirt printing yeeeears ago until now!! ❤ from germany

[@naomih4716]

Love the sewing projects you've doen so far! I hope it continues to bring you joy as a hobby

[@fionamcandrew4974]

Loved this video. Thanks for highlighting these issues. Take care of yourself.

[@jeanwangg]

Everything you've expressed in this video is exactly what I'm experiencing now and have been for several years! Thanks for sharing!

[@stevenbridges]

Glad you’re feeling better! Yeah ultimately if it’s more stress than fun it’s a net negative. So hopefully scaling things back will bring back the fun 🙂

[@laurameritet1697]

So great to see you again ! Take all the time you need to recover. Thank you for speaking about it, even though people talk a lot more about it, it's still a "tabout" I think, so thank you 🙏

[@corydhmiller]

I just wanted to drop a note as well that whatever you did on the coloring on this video is perfection. Great video, thanks for being so honest and real. 💙

[@studiovier7]

Hey Marie, Thank you so much for your openness, That is so valuable and important to keep an eye on the mental health. Happy that you are back!

[@chrisjordan3493]

Thanks for sharing Charli! Have been watching your content for a long time now. Take your time and do you, we're here regardless.

[@stephh_nz]

Nice to see you again Charli! I suffered significant burnout too at the end of last year, and like you I didn’t see the signs before it was too late. Nice to be on the other side with too!

[@Salehalanazi-7]

Long time sub here.. Thank you for making this video. As a self taught developer for 8 years that had to repeat college and haven't been to the market in a while. I definitely understand appreciating having a job. And my self value is basically my work only. I can't help but to relate to every word you said. Feeling stupider and uncreative for months. And being secretly ashamed of my level at my job. I truly don't know what to do. So I took a couple of weeks off and played video games. Eventually the rush and the daily guilt fades. And when you get back it's not smooth sailing or the same level before the burnout. It's just a complicated problem that has so many variables to fix. Starting with health. I still struggle, but you saying being selective and asking yourself or your boss for the resources you need is definitely an eye opener. Thanks.

[@wb4dhc]

THANK YOU for making this video. I needed to see this.

[@rosiebans]

Love your videos and your complete down-to-earth-ness too. Burnout is such a work-place hazard, particularly with beautifully sensitive, creative people, and it's a long journey to recovery but also what a wonderful learning experience too. I'd love updates on how your recovery is going (as I am going through the same!) and hope you keep safe and well 🥰 primavera esta llegando aqui en Valencia! ☀

[@waldobroodryk]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Charli! As someone who’s battled the depths of burnout (from caring too much/feeling powerless to facilitate needed change), I highly relate. So proud of you for taking the steps to heal 💖💖💖 That mindset shift is massive 💯 Love the restructured approach towards sustainability ✨ as well as having identifiable flags when changes are needed/grace with yourself through it all. Keep on rockin’, Charli!!!

[@AmrutaRanade]

Happy to see you back on my feed, but even happier to know you're feeling better! Here's to a more restful, sustainable year ahead ✨💜

[@Residentevilfan1989]

Haven't seen you in a while. Glad you are doing better.

[@osaroadade]

Thank you very much Charli for sharing. Ive always appreciated and valued your take on designs and now, on how to identify and deal with burnout. I am glad to see that you're taking care of yourself. I'm cheering for you! 💜 P.S love the dress with pockets.

[@strsh]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! I feel that in our society, we do not discuss enough about how to manage burnout and learn from it.

[@justinhenriksen]

Designers and that sewing machine! I had to get that one too. Glad to hear you're recovering from the burnout. I might still be there too. Looking for a way around it.

[@sabrycouto]

Thanks for sharing and being so open Charli! Good to see you back! I would love to know which steps you're taking to not attach your self-worth to work. I'm working through that myself

[@ivanaandersson]

I did wonder what happened with your videos, since you weren't posting for a long time. I am sad that it had to come to this, but glad that you are taking the necessary steps to heal and rest. Your channel was an inspiration to me and is currently an inspiration for my own channel, so I will definitely be sticking around and supporting you. I love what you're doing with Convert kit, so I am excited to see how you continue to grow into your position and how convert kit grows thanks to you.

[@jackpaice]

Thanks for talking about this. I have been through this twice now and both times I had to quit and find a new job cause I couldn't do it any more... It felt very lonely both times, but thankfully here in Sweden it's a lot less taboo than in other places, so I was able to talk to some friends... Hang in there and cut yourself some slack! You do way to much, tbh

[@kholofelomocheko]

Hey Charli. It's been a minute hey. Glad you're recovering? Cant wait for more content ❤❤

[@poojavazirani1673]

If you take care of yourself, only then can you take care of others. So glad you prioritised yourself and set boundaries with work. ❤ Happy recovery journey 💕

[@nidiarocio]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Your newsletter came to me at a time when I needed to hear about burnout and recognize its presence in my own life as well. Of course, $8K is not worth it if it affects your health. Prioritizing your life over work and anything that entails excessive stress is crucial, and I would love to hear about your hobbies as well. We missed you, but we support you!

[@julianTrichardson]

This was one of the most relatable videos I've watched on this app. You have been missed. Does not matter how many break you take, we will always be here.

[@zeeq7331]

Hi Charlie. Been an avid consumer of your content especially when it comes to career as a designer/senior designer in general. Thank you for always documenting and sharing experiences. We miss you but we appreciate you more being vulnerable with us designers because we are burn out too. Take all the time you need. We are not going anywhere. Cheers from 🇸🇬

[@stewscottcurran]

can't put a price on mental health. This is awesome and very helpful for all of us!

[@TomNook.]

Life is Strange is one of the best story games I've played. So....who did you save? 😅

[@ivonapetrovic1571]

I did leave my job and didn't work for months when I realized I am heavily burned out. Didn't heal me at all, so I guess finding what is right for you is always the way to go. I took multiple months off, twice in the last two years and I am still not rested but it's looking up and I am ok with taking it slow.

[@AJ-fj3js]

Hey Charli welcome back... Can you please make a video regarding "How to start design Business in 2024, what kind of niche will be working, how to earn from them"

[@lilyliciousss]

more and more i want to work as a park ranger lol. the paycut is worth it if i get to feel a sense of freedom away from being glued to screens.

[@alaaabdallah6912]

It's okay to take a rest every once in awhile; you're not supposed to be 100% energetic every day, so enjoy your rest and hope you get well soon, as I'm waiting for your next video.

[@ZeeNaturalCare]

I watched your video about using procreate for thumbnails Do you still use it?

[@garyvoigt321]

I'm happy that you decided to make yourself the priority.

[@gwtl301]

yes, be free

[@TristanBailey]

Missed your channel. But do take the moments to slow and refill and reflect. Time you can’t buy you have to choose to spend the time.

[@TomNook.]

And whilst I love the financial annual reports, perhaps the very nature of collating them (whether you choose to post them publicly or not) is pushing you into the mindset thst you must make more Vs previous years? You say you lost 8k this year, but what of the value gained from peace and sanity? I would argue those are more valuable than the money.

[@leojclarke]

The dress.has.POCKETS!