Overcoming the Delayed Life Syndrome: Is It Possible in the IT World?
Illia Shaptala
800+ Talented Remote Developers For Your Startup | CEO at OGDSolutions
Life in the Information Technology industry is fast-paced: an endless stream of innovation and rapid development forces Professionals to constantly educate themselves and adapt. This speed leaves little time for personal life, sometimes blurring the boundaries between career and everyday life. The Delayed Life Syndrome is a hidden danger in the flow of responsibilities and ambitions.
Let's talk about what it is and look at ways to combat this syndrome.
What Is Delayed Life Syndrome
In this particular mindset, individuals tend to defer the pursuit of their desires and the attainment of their goals to a later, more opportune time. This could involve delaying vacations, personal endeavors, socializing with friends, or other significant facets of life in favor of their current work commitments or their pursuit of professional advancement.
It usually sounds like this: "When I become a Senior, I will go to the sea," or "When I get a promotion, I will start my personal life," or "As soon as this project is over, I will start exercising," and so on. As a result, this perspective of constantly waiting for the "right moment" leads to a deterioration in the quality of life because the "right moment" never comes because of the endless cycle of new tasks and responsibilities at work.
The impact of Delayed Life Syndrome on IT Professionals and entire Organizations:
According to the World Health Organization, depression costs the global economy $1 trillion annually, mostly due to lost productivity. The IT industry is no exception. Therefore, recognizing and preventing delayed life syndrome is essential to maintain a healthy work environment and ensure Company growth.
How to Recognize That You Have Stopped Living Your Life
Consumed by a constant stream of tasks and the pursuit of excellence, it's easy for IT Professionals to miss the point when work begins to overshadow personal desires. Many don't even realize they've stopped living actively.
Here are some aspects that characterize the delayed life syndrome in IT.
1. Overworking and Burning Out. Regular overtime to meet deadlines leads to burnout and increased job dependency.
2. Continuing education. New programming languages, frameworks, and tools are constantly emerging in IT. The desire to learn new skills can lead to a never-ending cycle of learning and self-improvement.
3. Striving for the ideal. Waiting for the perfect project, job, or salary will make you look for new opportunities and postpone satisfaction for the future.
4. Lack of balance. Relationships, hobbies, and vacations are put on hold indefinitely because of a relentless focus on a career.
5. Industry inconsistency and uncertainty. The IT industry can be very volatile, with sudden ups and downs. This can lead to the idea that you need to be constantly learning and working to secure your future.
Sound familiar? Here's a simple quiz to help you determine if you’re facing the syndrome of delayed life.
Answer the following questions:
1. Do you often put off important personal events because of work?
2. Do you put off seeing friends or taking a vacation because you think you'll have time?
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3. Do you promise yourself to start a new hobby or pastime "when there is less work to do"?
4. Do you believe that once you have reached a certain milestone in your career, real life begins?
5. Do you constantly feel guilty about doing things outside of work because there is so much to do?
Count how many times you answered "Yes" and look at the chart below to see what your results mean.
It is essential to acknowledge these cues promptly and make efforts to reinstate equilibrium in your life.
How to Deal with Delayed Life Syndrome on Your Own
The best way to overcome Delayed Life Syndrome is to take action. When you stop waiting for better times and start living now, the destructive influence of the habit is lessened. Here are some steps to help you do just that.
1. Make the first decision. Right now, pick up the phone and make an appointment at the gym, get a massage, or make an appointment with friends. This is the starting point.
2. Analyze the areas of your life. Create a balance wheel and rate each category from 1 to 10 in terms of satisfaction. You'll see at a glance which areas are slipping. Set a short-term goal for each.
3. Plan. Make a schedule and deadlines for accomplishing your life goals for the month. The schedule should include space for "completely useless but enjoyable activities".
Put all these tasks on a calendar, and at the end of each month, summarize them. Don't choose boring activities; choose ones you'll want to do as soon as you're done. Pick up a long-neglected hobby, spend time with your family, teach your child to code, and plan short trips or weekend getaways.
4. Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for staying productive and feeling energized.
5. Set the boundaries. To allow time for rest and recovery, it is important to set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
5. Celebrate your achievements. Celebrate small and big wins to keep you motivated and confident.
It's enough to start small, you don't need to set unrealistic goals. Overcoming Delayed Life Syndrome can be difficult, so it's important not to be afraid to seek support when you need it. Whether it's support from friends and family or counseling with a therapist, coach, or mentor, it will help you stay motivated and keep moving toward your goals.
It is important to remember that happiness and fulfillment are not destinations but parts of a journey. They can’t be postponed, they must be with us every day, regardless of career achievements or external circumstances.
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