Burnout

Lightning talk presented at Madison DevOps Meetup 7/6/2016.

Transcript

1. Burnout @christianherro Image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYIyW3CVKwo
2. Who am I, why should you listen to me? Just some guy Largely worked in traditional(-ish) ops/support Trust me, I’m pretty good at this I’ve quit 2 jobs because of burnout @christianherro
3. So what is burnout? • Chronic stress • We tend to be able to detect it in others ◦ Surprisingly hard to see in ourselves • No longer taboo, but can be a difficult subject to approach @christianherro
4. Symptoms • Cynicism • Dreading going to work • Depression • Irritability • Lack of satisfaction • Physical/emotional exhaustion • Disillusionment about work http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642 @christianherro Image from @bofh
5. @christianherro
6. Causes • Lack of control • Unclear job expectations • Dysfunctional workplace • Mismatch in values • Work-life imbalance ◦ 60-80 hours/week not healthy ◦ (for most people) @christianherro Image from http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/simpsons-classic-king-size-homer-201979
7. Consequences • Even more stress • Fatigue • Insomnia • Greyscale • Depression • Anxiety • Circusitis • Alcohol or substance abuse • Heart disease/high cholesterol/Stroke • Dragon Pox • Obesity/Type 2 diabetes @christianherro Image from http://www.nbcnews.com/science/weird-science/gotscience-disease-plays-role-game-thrones-n353576
8. How to handle it - lessons learned • Manage stress ◦ No kidding ◦ But seriously, do it • Talk to your supervisor ◦ Maybe try doing it before it all goes to hell • Seek support • Re-evaluate interests/skills/passions ◦ See if there’s a better job fit for you • Exercise ◦ Oops • Sleep ◦ Double-oops • Kittens/puppies @christianherro Image from @christianherro
9. Culture • Don’t reward continual super-heroism ◦ Occasionally, it’s necessary ◦ It’s destructive long-term • Encourage time off ◦ Especially after oncall/overnight • Reward removing SPOF ◦ Documentation ◦ Mentoring/training • Open communication @christianherro Image from http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/975093-watchmen