I've landed my first big role right out of college as a SaaS support engineer at a major tech company, and while it seems like a dream come true with remote work, high pay, and awesome benefits, I'm really struggling with the workload. Just a few months in, I find myself overwhelmed, hunched over my desk, and stressed to the max. I feel like I'm constantly dealing with unhappy clients who have complex issues, and the pressure to meet SLAs leaves little room for quality learning or responses. Every time I finally understand something, I'm thrown into a completely new topic that I'm expected to master immediately, whether it's Kubernetes, AWS, or Cisco systems. It's hard to separate work from my personal life because I'm working from a small apartment right next to my bed. I'm questioning my capability in this position and whether I made the right choice. Is this normal? Does it get easier? I know I've learned a ton in these few months, but it never feels like it's enough.
5 Answers
You're not alone in feeling like this. Everyone in this job faces similar stress, especially in support roles where you’re dealing with chaotic situations all the time.
True, but it’s also a reality of the industry. He needs to find balance.
Lol, did you think the high pay and remote perks come with a chill work-life balance? It often doesn't! Just be prepared: when you eventually burn out and leave, they’ll just hire someone else to take your place.
It's true. I see it all the time; companies just keep replacing people without a blink. They don’t care about your health.
So true! The pressure can be brutal. Sometimes it feels like they want to squeeze every bit of effort from you.
You’ve got to take control of your time. Use your calendar to block out ‘me time’! It's okay to schedule breaks and step away from the desk. When work is done, disconnect! Go outside or just take a walk. Your mental health matters way more than work.
I think a lot of people forget they can schedule breaks and time for themselves; it's really important to manage that.
Totally agree! Setting those boundaries is what keeps you from burning out.
It’s okay to admit you don't know everything. Use phrases like 'I don't know, but I'll find that out for you' when talking to clients or your team. That humility can actually strengthen your position and make you a better support engineer.
100%! Lean on your more experienced teammates—they'll be happy to help.
Exactly! That allows for realistic expectations, and your colleagues can guide you too.
Welcome to IT. Seriously, take breaks and step away from the computer. This field can be super stressful, and it’s important to remember that your job doesn’t define you. It will be tough at first, but you’ll figure things out as you go. It’s like a gauntlet in the beginning!
Definitely. Scheduling short breaks has helped me stay sane—just get up and stretch or walk around for a few minutes.
Yeah, taking those breaks is crucial. It helps keep the stress at bay.
So he should just keep grinding until he breaks? That's not great advice.