• GilaMonster (7/2/2015)


    Informal survey before I make a fool of myself in an article (again)

    Do you get the feeling that IT people, especially ones at the top-end of the field, are too reluctant to ask for help?

    I don't mean technical help, I mean with stuff like burnout, depression, etc.

    I keep seeing it locally, the belief that we have to be superheroes to work in the field, must be able to work all-nighters, heroic long hours, don't take time off sick, never admit weakness.

    Local thing, or more widespread?

    Widespread and not improving.

    Quite a few years ago I was off for a few months due to this, and more recently my wife was off for almost a year. Then there's the time it takes to get back to a decent 'speed' and confidence when you return to work.

    I now make the effort to talk to people where I believe they're heading the same way.

    It still seems to be very much a taboo subject, so congratulations on writing something about it.

    If you want anybody else to cast an eye over the article, I'd be happy to help.