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Bad Times in Your Career

· 3 min read
David Puziol Prata
DevOps at @ Encora

Hey everyone, how's it going?

Today is a reflection on mental health at work. I believe everyone has experienced this at some point in their professional life, but it's always good to remember and be attentive to ourselves.

None of this reflects my current moment, it's just a reflection and should be taken only as a mental trigger. I'm not a psychologist, each in their own field, but I recommend taking a look at the vittude blog for better content on mental health. Writing about this subject for others requires some care as they may interpret the text according to their moment.

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Being involved in a bad project can be a devastating experience for any IT professional. When the work environment is marked by problems such as ineffective leadership, unrealistic deadlines, lack of resources, and a disorganized structure, work can quickly become a source of frustration and stress. This scenario becomes even more worrying when the project doesn't offer opportunities for intellectual growth, being routine and demotivating.

IT professionals often seek constant learning and challenges that stimulate innovation. When these needs aren't met, work loses its shine and the person may start to feel stagnant, without development perspective. The monotonous routine, where tasks repeat without any variation or complexity, can generate a feeling of uselessness, as if time and effort were being wasted.

This lack of stimulation and growth can generate a feeling of deep dissatisfaction. When, in addition, the professional finds themselves forced to remain in the project solely for the salary, the situation becomes even more distressing. Many people carry large financial responsibilities and are the main support for their families, making it impossible to simply leave for another opportunity that pays less, as the bills don't add up.

Financial necessity can trap the person in a position where they feel unhappy, without motivation to face daily challenges. This dilemma between financial obligation and lack of personal fulfillment can create constant pressure, leading to emotional and mental exhaustion.

In the long run, this combination of factors—frustration with the project, intellectual stagnation, exhausting routine, and the feeling of being trapped for financial reasons can culminate in depression. Depression often arises from a prolonged feeling of hopelessness and despair, where the person sees no way out of their current situation. Isolation, common in toxic work environments, can aggravate these feelings, making the professional feel even more alone and without support.

Never hesitate to seek professional support when necessary, as life isn't made only of good moments. Remember: God writes straight with crooked lines. When this happens for a long period, start looking for new horizons and return to preparing for a position you desire.