Burn Out:

[Pathfinder]

I have been using computers for twenty years. For the past several days I cannot get any work done. I just don't want to do it.

Several days ago my primary Email server went out of business. This means that my Email will have to be changed for every sponsor I have (since I have a resource site this means a large number) and in all of the script I am using. This irritated the hell out of me and I just can't get into the mode to make the changes.

I have alot of unfinished projects and I can't get into the finish mode. It has been my intention to tackle each unfinished Web project (I have a bad habit of starting a project and not completing it before jumping to another project), then go back to programming and just do Web maintinance.

I will try to work but after only a few minutes I just don't want to do it. I just sit and stare at the monitor.

Has this syndrome been experienced by some of you and how long did it take for it to go away, or am I finished.

[sinmaster]

Been there done that!
Just shut the machine off and go play for a few days, absolutely nothing comuter/internet related. Always works for me.
Good Luck

[mule]

Originally posted by sinmaster
Been there done that!
Just shut the machine off and go play for a few days, absolutely nothing comuter/internet related. Always works for me.
Good Luck

Yep, that's the best thing you can do. And don't put a schedule to it, stay off the machine for as long as it takes. Your health is much more important than whatever you can make money-wise.
Recharge, and have fun while doing it

[Amputate Your Head]

stop fucking crying and get back to work whiner.

[Pathfinder]

Amputate Your Head:

Your words of wisdom (and you have a lot of it to share, approaching 10,000 posts) are always valued by me and, I am sure, by every other Webmaster that is a member of this board.

[Mr.Fiction]

This happens to lots of webmasters, and lots of people working in any industry. Take a little time to screw around, take a trip, do something fun. It'll pass.

[Amputate Your Head]

Originally posted by Pathfinder
Amputate Your Head:

Your words of wisdom (and you have a lot of it to share, approaching 10,000 posts) are always valued by me and, I am sure, by every other Webmaster that is a member of this board.

you know you love me. Probly like a brother too.

[Pathfinder]

Amputate Your Head:

Correct; as always. Or is it 12clicks I am thinking about?

[reddawg]

Stress is a bitch, don't over do it, you will be better off being late with some projects, then becoming the Late ?

Take it from me after my nervous breakdown, I just try to say and do whatever, whenever and not freak over crap! I already lost most of my hair and have stomach problems and etc. but fuck it, as bad as it is, it is better than it was.

[Pathfinder]

Another problem is: I do my work at night. Now that I am not doing any work I still have been unable to get back on a day time schedule. I watch CNN, FOX and C-Span, and read this board all night.

I sold my truck and 5th wheeler not very long ago. I now regret doing that. If I still had them I would just head for the boonies.

[Nedder]

man Path, I hear ya. I quit my corporate job to start my own business and spent the entire last year it seems at my computer working morning to night trying to get ahead.

I started developing horrible back problems about month 7, by month 8 I was starting to feel numb in areas, by month 9 I had the highest blood pressure I'd ever had in my life, and month's 10, 11 and 12 was mostly marked by excessive sleep, checking stats, and reading GFY. For the first time in my life, a computer enthusiast myself for over 20 years, I could not sit in front of my computer for more than 10 minutes without having to get away.

Took awhile to recover, but I went back to my corporate job (even negotiated a 4 day work week ) and am now returning to normal health and ready to resume my adult sites as a part time endeavor.

I don't think I can give enough credit to those who say take time out of your day and don't overdo it. You can give 500% for 1 year and burn out, or give 100% a year for 5 years, the only difference will be your health.

The most ironic part of it is, when I left my biz in 3 months of limbo, my conversions rocked like never before. I guess it took that long for the SE's to kick in....but anyway...

I've got alot of respect for the guys and gals on here who are making this work, the one's who've been around and stay around are the one's who've figured out that balance I'm sure.

Nz

[quiet]

i've been through that shit many times over the years. i just work thru it. if it get's really bad, i either:

(1) take a short trip somewhere, stay somewhere with internet access. the change of scenery always seems to help.

or

(2) have an all night work/drink session with my employees - i get re-motivated when we're all just talking shit, coming up with new ideas, etc.

[steffie]

I can't see the monitor anymore, in less than 5 hours I am going to the Preakness in Baltimore, get drunk, make pictures and have fun. I am NOT even going to look at my PC until later tonight.. he he meet me there,,, get out of the house.. the best advice.

[UnseenWorld]

You are describing some of the symptoms of depression. It wouldn't hurt to see if you can get a professional diagnosis, because depression can be treated.

[Keev]

I think i got crabs

[Pathfinder]

UnseenWorld:

I am depressed, but I do not think I have reached the stage of clinical depression. I am somewhat familiar with clinical depression as several of my former comrades in arms have experienced it.

[Pathfinder]

Keev:

Vermin infested huh? You should do something about that.

[FATPad]

Originally posted by Pathfinder
UnseenWorld:

I am depressed, but I do not think I have reached the stage of clinical depression. I am somewhat familiar with clinical depression as several of my former comrades in arms have experienced it.

Take a walk everyday. Even if it's just a short 1 mile walk.

It'll do wonders for your mental outlook.

[FATPad]

And I don't know why I quoted that particular post.

My post was just in general.

[Pathfinder]

Well one more night of goofing off. Watching TV and reading this board. I don't want to work. I can't get to sleep.

I am going to try to make myself stay up all day today so maybe I can sleep tonight and get back on a day schedule.

Some good advice here I am sure, but to tell the truth I just don't feel like going anywhere or doing anything.

I am hoping this will just pass, and soon.

[Queueyon]

Pack a bag, get in your car or get a Greyhound bus and go where the road takes you. Keep going seeing new sites and meeting new people. Turn around when your batteries are recharged.

[mGreg]

you gotta take a holiday buddy, enjoy some of that hard earnt $$(remember, thats why your earning money in the first place)- take a holiday, as long as you need, get lots of exercise(workout, play sport- whatever), do what every you enjoy(if you like to toke every now and then- toke!) as soon as you feel motivated and ready to work, get back to work!

and while your working, take breaks, get out regularly and take time to enjoy life you'll be right man

[Milton]

i working like a robot..burned out for many years ..

[DPlayMax]

you need 10 days or so in Hawaii - or some other beach city - on the beach just falling asleep and getting burned in the sun - that reduces stress

[Gramma]

Stay off the computer completely - clean your closet - visit your family - see a movie - read a book - get a pedicure - (ok that's me) when you really feel like getting back on the computer , when you're jonesin for it BAD- you may have your batteries recharged and feel like doing it.
If there are any webmasters in your area - get together with them someplace, sometimes simply the discussion, and exchanging of ideas gives you a boost.
Hire someone to do the changes that need made.
when you see them fucking up - it'll give you some push to do it yourself.

I've been there dozens of times - it's a bitch. That's why my business is perpetually for sale (for the right price)

[fuel123]

Why not hire a newbie to do some of your grunt work. I am sure they would love the oppurtunity to learn the business. This way work gets done and it's not on you.


fuel

[Pathfinder]

Well after some thought I decided that my problem is multiple.

#1 I have been over extended. To many irons in the fire. Just don't have enough time in the day to hit all the bases.

#2 I am tired of being a smut peddler and looking at porn. I have never had any interest in porn, except maybe as a teen. The only reason I got into the business was for the green.

#3 I am tired of dealing with sponsers that shave, and that keep coming up with reasons not to pay (the dog ate the stats type of thing). I won't name, names, but most of you have experienced this at some point in time. There seems to be alot of dishonest people in this business, which is not surprising, considering the type of business it is.

I am going to get out of this business and stick with my main stream sites and do some programming on the side. Just making the decision has already taken off pressure.

[dirtymonkey]

every programmer seems to complain about work - but never actually works! hmmm....

[Mr.Fiction]

Originally posted by Pathfinder
Well after some thought I decided that my problem is multiple.

#1 I have been over extended. To many irons in the fire. Just don't have enough time in the day to hit all the bases.

#2 I am tired of being a smut peddler and looking at porn. I have never had any interest in porn, except maybe as a teen. The only reason I got into the business was for the green.

#3 I am tired of dealing with sponsers that shave, and that keep coming up with reasons not to pay (the dog ate the stats type of thing). I won't name, names, but most of you have experienced this at some point in time. There seems to be alot of dishonest people in this business, which is not surprising, considering the type of business it is.

I am going to get out of this business and stick with my main stream sites and do some programming on the side. Just making the decision has already taken off pressure.

You've got to do what works for you.

Do you have any good adult domains to sell on your way out?

[TheFLY]

A girlfriend helps... especially one w/ expensive taste... hehe.

[Pathfinder]

Mr.Fiction:

I don't think so. I really never understood why a domain name in of itself has any real value. I guess some may have slightly more value than others, but still do not understand how a domain name by itself can have any real value. The Huns domain name in the beginning did not have any value. He made it what it is.

Maybe someone can educate me about the value of domain names.