{
  "id": 10207960,
  "title": "I burned out. Now I don't know how to start again.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/i-burned-out-now-i-dont-know-how-to-start-again",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-27T12:10:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/embernoglow/i-burned-out-now-i-dont-know-how-to-start-again-1h79"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hi there, I recently found myself in a rut where I couldn't bring myself to touch my code. It's a struggle I'm not alone in facing, as I've written about it before. The cause remains unclear, but it left me feeling drained and lacking motivation. Even the thought of opening my code editor felt daunting.\n\nI've tried a few things, like taking breaks, switching gears, and joining coding events. But even with fresh air and new challenges, I couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to begin. My knowledge of programming stayed intact, but starting from scratch proved impossible.\n\nIn times like these, I've found solace in engaging with the coding community. Helping out beginners or seeking guidance from others can work wonders. I've learned that it's okay to take a step back and embrace the process, even if it means doing less. Burnout is real and affects both mental health and joy.\n\nTo those just starting in tech, remember that it's not always sunshine and rainbows. Be aware of burnout's impact on your well-being. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take it slow and reach out for support. I'm still trying to figure out how to get back to coding, but I'm hopeful that sharing my experience might help others facing similar challenges. And yes, my Dev.to account turns 18 today - happy birthday!",
  "summary": "Hi, devs! I'm back. I wish I could return with a major success, a discovery, or a new achievement, but no - I gave up on programming for a while. I burned out. Then again, I'm not saying this for the first time (1/2 of the articles are about this), so it's hardly surprising anymore 🤣 What caused it? I don't know. I couldn't even bring myself to look at my code anymore. I ran out of ideas.…",
  "key_points": [
    "Programmer experienced burnout, unable to code",
    "Tried breaks, new challenges, community engagement",
    "Emphasized importance of rest, seeking support"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}