IT Support. Field Service. Deskside. App Development. Security. And every technology role in between, from entry-level to executive. The work we do, every single day, is focused on one of two things: fixing a problem or improving an experience.
Whether it’s working a chat or phone call, trying to balance the demand for enhancements into sprints, navigating how to keep employees informed to stay ahead of the “bad actors” or leading teams across the world that doing any of the above, technology professionals are relentlessly focused on serving others in meaningful ways.
If asked to summarize the nature of technology works in a single word, it’s a no brainer: selfless.
It is not shocking read to an article written by Happier that IT is the 5th most burned-out industry. Technology workers are quick to give, give more and keep giving. But when you pour your cup out over and over again, eventually — there’s nothing left to pour.
In order to keep showing up to serve your team, your customers, your business outcomes, your friends and family, you’ve got to make the choice to refill your cup.
Here are two ways I’ve found the most valuable to refilling an empty cup:
Don’t live in the tip of the iceberg
An iceberg only shows about 20% above the surface. What’s visible is just a fraction of what exists beneath.
It easy to find ourselves living from the surface level. Projecting strength, answering “I’m good” and getting the job done. Pushing through, despite the mental frustration.
But below the surface? That’s where we’re known. That’s where connection and clarity live. That’s where we need to go to refill our cup.
It takes courage to go below the surface. At SupportWorld Live, keynote speaker Juan Bendaña told a story about swimming with sharks on his honeymoon. Allowing yourself to be known can feel as terrifying as jumping in that water. But like jumping into that water —it’s a leap you’ll never regret.
Find people you trust. It could be:
- A colleague
- An HDI Local Chapter connection
- A mentor
- A former leader
- A friend
What matters is that you find them. What matters more, is you make intentional time to go beneath the surface.
This year I reached out to someone I knew of, but did not know. It’s someone that from a distance, inspired me. I asked him to mentor me. He said yes. When I hit a season of needing to refill my cup, he was one of the people in my corner.
I have had moments of simply asking industry veterans I trust for some of their time to navigate hard seasons and decisions.
I have had cigars and bourbon with a close friend around a fire to ask for wisdom about life’s mountains. I have had below the surface conversations with HR partners and my direct leader. I’ve had heart to heart conversations with my HDI Local Chapter Board over dinner.
Don’t let yourself navigate the journey alone. Let yourself be known. Nothing will ever fill your cup better than being surrounded by other humans who value you.
Reflect and remember the journey
Tip No. 2 could easily be “Remember your why.” But here’s the thing — your why can change. Seasons of life change and why we wanted to get into technology, may not be the same as what motivates us today.
When I got into tech, I didn’t have some bold purpose. I needed a job that could become a career, because I’d met a girl I wanted to someday marry and I wanted to tell her dad I could take care of her.
Now, I want to make a meaningful impact on how people work, the value they feel and how leaders show up and serve their teams.
But even with that clarity, at every step of my career, I’ve still wrestled with doubt.
I’ve thought to myself:
- “I don’t deserve this role...when will they figure that out?”
- “No way should I be allowed to lead people. I’m so far from perfect.”
- “I’m not smart enough to be in this room.”
Sound familiar?
Imposter syndrome is real. If we don’t stop it in its tracks, it will halt us in ours.
That’s why reflecting on your journey is critical. Reflection refills.
What does this look like?
- Think about where you started and how much you’ve learned and grown.
- Think about the impact you’ve made on the people and customers you’ve gotten to serve.
- Think about the relationships you’ve built and how they’ve impacted you.
- Think about what you do today and how it matters to the organization and people you serve.
- Think about what you love about the work you do.
Technology has no finish line. It evolves constantly, and so do we. Remembering your journey, your impact and your growth can fuel you in ways you didn’t expect.
Burnout happens. Overwhelmed seasons come. Our cups become empty. What we do about it, that’s where impact is shaped.
Surround yourself with a community that encourages you, listens well and helps you process when you’re stretched thin.
Make the time. Be intentional. Refilling your cup isn’t selfish, it’s essential.