Navigating Burnout: Strategies for Developers

In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit the theme of using the pivot—the skill of embracing change in software development. Reframing a prior episode "Pivoting - How to Embrace Change and Fuel Your Professional Growth" using AI-generated prompts, the hosts explore how developers can navigate career shifts, respond to market signals, and avoid burnout.

What Does It Mean to Pivot?

A pivot is a strategic change in direction—not a failure. Whether it’s shifting from front-end to AI, or moving from software dev to project management, a pivot is about refining your path with the benefit of experience.

“Pivoting is not quitting. It’s evolving based on feedback, clarity, and vision.”

Rob explains that the tech world is full of transferable skills. Moving from Java to C# is often more of a translation than a complete reset. When you view your experience as a foundation, pivoting becomes a launchpad—not a setback.

Michael’s Pivot from Pre-Med to Tech

Michael shares his deeply personal journey—from aspiring surgeon to software engineer. A strong aversion to needles ended his medical ambitions, but his hobby in video games and computers opened a new door. Back when becoming a game developer wasn’t mainstream, he chose the broader field of IT.

Exploring networking, database development, and programming helped him discover his passions. That exploration, he says, is key to finding the right professional path.

“Try everything. Stick with it long enough to learn—then pivot if it doesn’t fit.”

Knowing When to Pivot

Rob introduces the concept of market signals—changes in demand, relevance, or growth within a technology. He uses a bell curve to illustrate how tech rises, plateaus, and declines. Pivoting at the plateau allows for smooth transitions and consistent momentum.

Watch for:

• Fewer job postings in your stack
• Stagnant growth in your role
• New interests pulling you elsewhere
• User or revenue decline in your product or business

Michael also highlights burnout as a major internal signal. Decreased energy, productivity, and interest could indicate it’s time to shift your focus—or your role.

Developer Challenge: Plan Your Pivot

Take 30 minutes this week to reflect on your current career trajectory. Ask yourself:

1. Am I still learning and growing?

2. Is this technology or role still relevant?

3. What excites me outside of my current focus?

Then identify one small experiment—a course, a meetup, a tool—to explore that new direction. Pivoting doesn’t have to be drastic. Small steps often lead to significant transformation.

Pivoting as a Business and Personal Strategy

The hosts explain that pivots also occur in business. You may need to adjust your target market, tech stack, or pricing model. These aren’t signs of failure—they’re signs of adaptation.

The podcast itself has pivoted over the years—from a solo show to interviews, from foundational topics to AI-driven insights. As Rob puts it, every successful creator has a pivot story—or several.

“Sometimes the market doesn’t reject you—it redirects you.”

Final Thoughts: Change is Growth

Pivoting is a crucial aspect of adapting to change in software development. Whether it’s motivated by market forces, personal growth, or burnout recovery, change helps you stay relevant—and sane—in a fast-moving industry.

Keep learning. Stay adaptable. And remember: the path you’re on doesn’t have to be the one you finish on.

Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community

We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.

Additional Resources

• Finding Balance: The Importance of Pausing and Pivoting in Tech
• Avoid Burnout – Give Time To Yourself
• Switching Jobs – When and How to Change Jobs
• Mastering Skills In Under Ten Thousand Hours
• The Developer Journey Videos – With Bonus Content
• Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content