026 - Burnout in IT: Why So Many Tech Pros Are Struggling (and How to Cope)

Burnout in IT is not just “being tired”, it’s a silent crisis affecting countless tech professionals, SysAdmins, engineers, and ops folks who are running on empty. In this episode of SysAdmin Weekly, we dig into the mental health stressors built into the tech industry: constant change, imposter syndrome, “always-on” culture, notification overload, and more.

Co-host Eric Siron and Andy share real stories, data, and actionable tactics from boundary-setting to seeking help that can make the difference between surviving and thriving.

Whether you’re feeling burnt out, concerned about a teammate, or just want to build a healthier tech culture, this episode is for you.

Covered in this episode:

- The mental health “baseline” in tech: diagnosis rates, productivity loss, burnout prevalence

- Why imposter syndrome is especially tough in IT

- The role of organizational culture, remote work, and tool overload

- Practical practices: micro-breaks, peer support, therapy / coaching, building psychological safety

- What leaders and managers can do to make tech workplaces more sustainable

Tune in and pass it on to anyone in tech who needs a reminder they’re not alone.

Episode Resources:

- SysAdmin Weekly Companion Newsletter

- AndyOnTech

- Project Runspace

- Perplexity CometJacking Attack

- Satya Nadella Microsoft AI Interview

- Slack: Mental Health in Tech (2020)

- TechUK - Addressing Mental Health in the Tech Industry (Burnout Index 2022)