The “drop is always moving,” and Drupal continues to evolve thanks to the folks who contribute from all over the world. But sometimes, behind all the coding, innovation, and collaborating, people start to lose motivation. In fact, it’s not uncommon for contributors to the Drupal project to experience burnout.
The Drupal Community Working Group is here to help. Part of our charter is to "help to prevent conflict and burnout" burnout, and this article is all about recognizing the signs and finding support.
Burnout can happen when work and life get out of balance. It can appear for lots of reasons. You might feel tired all the time or just plain bored with the same old tasks. Doubts creep in, and you start feeling impostor syndrome. You might feel the symptoms in your body and mind.
Some people in the Drupal community contribute as part of their job; the World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
If you’re experiencing burnout, know that you’re not alone. A 2022 study looked at over 32,600 tech workers from 33 countries and found that 62% of the people surveyed reported feeling “physically and emotionally drained.”
Understanding Burnout
Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed out. It’s like hitting a wall, emotionally, mentally, and physically, all because of too much stress. In the Drupal community, burnout can manifest in many different ways. Here are some signs:
- Decreased Motivation: Some people experience a loss of interest or passion for their work in the Drupal community. Tasks that were once exciting may now feel like a burden.
- Increased Irritability: Burnout can lead to heightened levels of frustration and irritability, both in online interactions and real-life interactions within the Drupal community.
- Isolation: Burnout often leads to withdrawal from social interactions, both online and offline. You, or someone you know, may become less active in Drupal issue queues, Slack channels, or community events.
- Physical Symptoms: Chronic stress and burnout can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and digestive issues.
Finding Support
Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step. Getting through it might require support. Fortunately, the Drupal community offers a variety of resources and support networks to help contributors navigate burnout:
- Talk to the community: Drop a line in a Drupal Slack channel where you feel safe sharing (#community-health is a good one). Sometimes, just sharing with people who get it can make a big difference.
- Find, or become, a mentor: Look into the Drupal mentoring programs. Finding a mentor can help keep you on track. Becoming a mentor can give your work a different kind of purpose.
- Take care of yourself: Consider how you are taking care of your well-being. Are you getting enough sleep? Might you benefit from trying mindfulness or meditation (like a Body Scan)? Are you moving your body with exercise? Are you taking breaks? These are questions only you can answer honestly.
- Set limits: Learn to say “no” when you’re already swamped, hand off some tasks, or ask for more time when you need it.
- Talk to a professional: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling to cope with burnout. Therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide invaluable assistance in managing stress and improving your well-being.
Conclusion
Sometimes Drupal contributors experience burnout, but it’s not the end of the road. Finding help might require outside help. Sometimes it’s just time to step away from the community indefinitely, and that’s okay, too. Remember, your well-being is paramount, and taking care of yourself ultimately benefits both you and the Drupal ecosystem as a whole.