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Comment by plodman | Hacker News Reader

Letting myself get burned-out to the point of considering the s word. Every time I just thought “things will get better, it’s probably just me”.

I’ve since switched jobs after a break but I still struggle with focus and attention span. Hoping that improves over time.

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Wow, that's a big one. I'm sorry to hear that. It sounds like you've been through a lot. What was it about your job that burned you out? I'm sure this would be helpful for me to know, as well as others who may be in a similar situation.

I'm in the exact boat as you. The burnout set in so slowly that I didn't realized I was burned out until I stopped working and had the time to look at my life.

That’s what happened to me with my second burnout. The first one hit me like a brick. I’m glad the second one isn’t as bad as the first one mentally. I regret not taking enough rest during my first burnout as I never fully recovered, this time I’m taking things more seriously.

Yes it will improve. Just make sure you give yourself time outside of work. You don't need to do fancy things, sometimes just getting food you never had before, go see a building, simple life is what saved me from burnout. It took me almost a year (after a change of job) to start living again fully and break off my self deprecation and focus issues.

Wish you well!

Did you work from home? Because my attention span also dropped significantly during covid. What helped was getting out of the house to get some work done.

Hi from an internet stranger! Have you sought help? Please do, even if you think the worst is past. Best wishes :)

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