Burning Out
by Robert Brim · in General Discussion · 08/27/2002 (10:42 pm) · 8 replies
How do you keep coders from burning out?
As a web developer, I have gone through my share of burning out after a project.
I dont have a suit telling me I have to have this working next Friday, so i can now pace myself and take a few days off before I start vomiting at the mere sight of coding.
How does one who has a sincere deadline or one who is coding ebcause they enjoy it, get out for a break and to get recharged and then get themselves back into it?
I think this needs to be discussed because of hte numebr of people I have seen here that seem to live in the code and put out ore as people who cant make the code scream for more. (That isn't an insult, it's a metaphor)
As a web developer, I have gone through my share of burning out after a project.
I dont have a suit telling me I have to have this working next Friday, so i can now pace myself and take a few days off before I start vomiting at the mere sight of coding.
How does one who has a sincere deadline or one who is coding ebcause they enjoy it, get out for a break and to get recharged and then get themselves back into it?
I think this needs to be discussed because of hte numebr of people I have seen here that seem to live in the code and put out ore as people who cant make the code scream for more. (That isn't an insult, it's a metaphor)
About the author
#2
hehehe sorry.. couldn't resist.
08/27/2002 (11:35 pm)
I think a pizza, 6pack of beer, and an "escort" would do the trick nicely. ;-)hehehe sorry.. couldn't resist.
#3
."
So what happens is that suits request a schedule from programmers, programmers provide a realistic schedule, suit says "no way" and cuts the schedule in half and declares "now THAT'S workable", programmer works his/her ass off for a time, burns out, leaves the job for a new one and the cycle continues until he finds an "intelligent" suit.
08/28/2002 (6:12 am)
For one, don't second guess programmers. If they say something will take a certain amount of time, then it most likely will. Despite the suit mentality of "this must be done by So what happens is that suits request a schedule from programmers, programmers provide a realistic schedule, suit says "no way" and cuts the schedule in half and declares "now THAT'S workable", programmer works his/her ass off for a time, burns out, leaves the job for a new one and the cycle continues until he finds an "intelligent" suit.
#4
08/28/2002 (11:32 pm)
I wonder why no one asks such questions when it comes to modeling or animation... situation of all poeple in the bussines is quite similiar- for managers programmers are bit harder to understand I presume- so they are applying sheme that in most cases works with art/design guys...and commonly project suffers. On the other hand- I have seen dozens of programmer-written shedules that have been so relaxed, that no one sane could accept it... 
#5
The computer industry, especially games, is one of burn-out's and high stress but it is also one of possible rewards or great personal satisfaction too.
Logan
08/29/2002 (7:18 am)
Personally the best way to avoid burnout is by good management keeping in touch with their underlings, offering rewards for meeting or finishing before milestones, and taking the guys out for food and drinks every once in a while. A lot of the time companies can write-off these expenses anyways too.The computer industry, especially games, is one of burn-out's and high stress but it is also one of possible rewards or great personal satisfaction too.
Logan
#6
Same issue for anybody doing core work on the team (modelers especially).
The group I'm working with is trying to keep this fun. Low expectations, and lots of little steps. We have a plan through beta, and a strong concept beyond that... but we're taking lots of little steps.
We need a lead programmer, yet we are STILL moving ahead very well (about 5 of us are good scripters).
We are constantly doing little things, and we PLAY a lot.
If your programmers do 2 weeks of work, and never get to enjoy the accomplishments... you'll burn out.
I think on amatuer teams like most of our own, it is essential to take little steps, play test constantly, and enjoy the fruits of your labor together...
This is creative work, and most be enjoyed. A sense of accomplishment and raw enjoyment of the work (even little steps) is always the best counter to burn out.
If somebody needs a detailed plan, then make sure they have it. If somebody needs some flexibility, then make sure they have it. The team needs to be on the same wavelength about approach, from the start.
If your lead programmer needs a professional design doc and a ton of very strict timelines and project objectives, while the rest of the team just wants to "chill"... then that programmer WILL burn out without some negotiation.
09/03/2002 (6:13 am)
Well, I can't speak from much experience... but i think programming on an amatuer game dev team is not best compared to professional programming situations.Same issue for anybody doing core work on the team (modelers especially).
The group I'm working with is trying to keep this fun. Low expectations, and lots of little steps. We have a plan through beta, and a strong concept beyond that... but we're taking lots of little steps.
We need a lead programmer, yet we are STILL moving ahead very well (about 5 of us are good scripters).
We are constantly doing little things, and we PLAY a lot.
If your programmers do 2 weeks of work, and never get to enjoy the accomplishments... you'll burn out.
I think on amatuer teams like most of our own, it is essential to take little steps, play test constantly, and enjoy the fruits of your labor together...
This is creative work, and most be enjoyed. A sense of accomplishment and raw enjoyment of the work (even little steps) is always the best counter to burn out.
If somebody needs a detailed plan, then make sure they have it. If somebody needs some flexibility, then make sure they have it. The team needs to be on the same wavelength about approach, from the start.
If your lead programmer needs a professional design doc and a ton of very strict timelines and project objectives, while the rest of the team just wants to "chill"... then that programmer WILL burn out without some negotiation.
#7
In my day job ... to lessen the effect of burn-out, my boss implements the following rule.
1. Each member of a team gets $500 Php each month for recreational allowance per month.
2. The amount must be used only on specified month. Its not accumulated when not used.
3. Its up to the team to decide how to use the fund but it must be spent as a group. Individual spending is not allowed.
This sort of works. My team already played war-games (where you get to shoot your team leader using a paint gun with-out repercussions) and did Karaoke and other stuff. :)
09/26/2002 (5:33 am)
Hmmm.In my day job ... to lessen the effect of burn-out, my boss implements the following rule.
1. Each member of a team gets $500 Php each month for recreational allowance per month.
2. The amount must be used only on specified month. Its not accumulated when not used.
3. Its up to the team to decide how to use the fund but it must be spent as a group. Individual spending is not allowed.
This sort of works. My team already played war-games (where you get to shoot your team leader using a paint gun with-out repercussions) and did Karaoke and other stuff. :)
#8
I hit the beach (I live 5 minutes from the atlantic), hang with my friends, bowl, fantasy football, etc.
I also play alot of games. A great stress reliever for me is Twisted Metal: Black. IMO the absolute best game to have ever been released on a console.
09/26/2002 (5:50 am)
Heh, I didn't post how I personally avoid burnout. I've been a professional software engineer for some years now and I've seen the best and the worst from scheduling and burnout. I hit the beach (I live 5 minutes from the atlantic), hang with my friends, bowl, fantasy football, etc.
I also play alot of games. A great stress reliever for me is Twisted Metal: Black. IMO the absolute best game to have ever been released on a console.
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