Why Most Developers Burn Out Before 30—And How to Avoid It

What if I told you that the biggest threat to your developer career isn't bad code or layoffs—but your own health?

Every year, thousands of talented developers leave the industry—not because they weren't good enough, but because they were exhausted. Burnout is no longer the exception. It's becoming the rule.

Why It Happens

• Unrealistic deadlines that leave no room for recovery.
• Always-on culture where Slack messages never stop.
• Lack of physical movement—coding marathons with no breaks.

What You Can Do About It

"Burnout is what happens when you ignore the whispers and only react to the screams."

Start small. Stand up every hour. Protect your weekends. Say no to unnecessary meetings. The best code you write is never at 2am after six coffees.

Companies must do better. But until they do, protecting your mental health is your job. Not optional. Essential.

A Personal Story

I was 27. On paper, killing it. Six-figure salary. Remote perks. But I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and code felt like a chore. I took two months off. Read. Walked. Came back stronger—with boundaries in place. You can do the same.

This isn't a warning—it's a wake-up call. Your career isn't a sprint. It's a long game. And that game is won by those who know when to rest.