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Raymond Chung for CodeLand 2022

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[On-Demand Talk] A Programmer's Guide to Mental Health

About this talk

Starting your first software development job is very rewarding. You get to apply what you learned from school, bootcamp, or self-learning to a product used by actual customers.

Once you start, you will likely experience imposter syndrome. It's completely normal, and it's actually a sign of growth. At times, it may feel like you're not doing enough and want to continue proving yourself further. You might overwork yourself, leading to burnout and developing bad habits.

In my talk, I will talk about how I burnout, and the bad habits I developed. Finally, the strategies I use today to prevent burnout and embrace self-care.

Talk Recording

Slides

🌈 Comment below and ask me questions — I might just answer them during my live speaker discussion!


About me

Hello! I'm Raymond Chung. Although I'm often mistaken for an intern, I'm building a new generation of software developers through Shopify's Dev Degree program. As a Technical Educator, my passion for computer science and education allows me to create bite-sized content that engages interns throughout their day-to-day. When I'm not teaching, you'll find me searching my area the best bubble tea shop.


This on-demand talk is part of CodeLand 2022 — a virtual conference brought to you by CodeNewbie & DEV on June 16 & 17, 2022.

Oldest comments (32)

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kithminiii profile image
Kithmini

Excited and waiting for your talk.😍

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michaeltharrington profile image
Michael Tharrington

Asking this on behalf of a friend:

I've gotten burnt out at so many jobs that it's seeming like a pattern. I'm starting to worry that I don't belong in tech because it's not making me happy in a work context. The thing is, I LOVE this work when it comes to personal projects. Do you have any advice for weighing my decision about staying in software development vs leaving?

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pablohe78730909 profile image
Pablo Hernandez

I do believe in the area o fMeditation/Mindfullness practice is a venture that has worked for me. Although, Stress,Family,Home and the daily issues that come from day to day are a hurdle that do not care for. My job is also stressful, being a Surgical Tech and being part of a team that is taking a persons life and performing surgery is not a walk in the park to least say. We must deal with our issues on an individual basis, break down the issues into small nice and neat boxes and then open them one at a time, one day at a time...

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hussain_codes profile image
Hussain Codes

Being part of #100Devs really taught me how to take care of myself in my learning journey and prevent burnout. It really helps keep myself consistent. Yes, there are lows too but I think I'm getting better at pushing through the lows and always coming back. The 3 specific things that are mentioned are:
-Managing frustration
-Consistency
-Taking care of myself

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tsbrun profile image
Anya Brun

Consistency is key to continue learning, growing, and leveling up your skills. But, in order to stay consistent, you need to be healthy—mentally and physically. Thanks for talking about this super important topic, Raymond!

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ugo profile image
Ozoeze Ugo

Thank you for this session. These strategies are exactly what I needed to hear.

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srivera12 profile image
Sarah Rivera

Thank you for this - it can take a lot of bravery to talk about times we have struggled. This talk also had great advice and suggestions!

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anyanka profile image
Anja

As a person who had a burnout yet (from a non tech job but that doesn't matter that much imo): I really appreciated your talk and hints, thanks Raymond!

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timdehof profile image
timDeHof

I have social anxiety that makes it differicult for me to apply for jobs but I love to learn new things. Do you have any advice for gaining confidence in myself so i can get out of tutorial hell and dive into the job search?

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mariessad profile image
mariessad

Thanks for your talk! Do you think burnout means different things to different people? Do you have advice for what to do if you do inadvertently burn out? How do you approach talking to a company you're employed at if you feel yourself reaching burnout?

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raysenpai profile image
Raymond Chung

Hey mariessad!

That's a great question! Yes, burnout can mean different things for different people! For myself, I burned out mentally. But for someone who works in construction for example, they can feel burned out physically.

My advice would be to take a well-rested break. At times you may not realized it, but stepping away for a bit, would help.

Every company is different. I would mention it during your 1:1s with your lead or your HR rep on how you are feeling. It's better to be transparent if you know you're reaching burnout, then being burned out.

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fillis34 profile image
Fillis34

I don't understand how to cure burnout. It seems to me that burnout is bringing yourself to the red line. I prefer to stop in time and switch to aviator game 1xbet. I have a mobile app that is very convenient to use if you are in the office. The game does not take much time but switches the brain to relaxation.

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