How I keep myself sane as a full-time Frontend Engineer

#career #webdev #wellbeing #frontend

Introduction

Being a full-time Frontend Engineer is like playing a video game with no pause button, where every level is a new JavaScript framework, and every boss fight is a CSS bug that only appears in Safari. It’s exhilarating, as each day is a roller-coaster, but it’s also exhausting.

In this article, I briefly mention my current struggles and then reflect on some things I use frequently to be able to not lose myself in the middle of all the work.

My current struggles

Forcing myself to stop
Coding is addictive. “Just one more bug fix,” I say, two hours past bedtime. But I’ve realized the hard way: if I don’t stop, my brain starts functioning like an unoptimized app: slow, glitchy, and prone to crashing.
Not believing every guru tip or buzzword out there
The internet is a mixed bag. One second, you’re learning something useful; the next, you’re convinced you have to master WebAssembly, Rust, and the art of latte foam design to stay relevant. Plus, it's a constant challenge to stay updated with current industry trends and tools!
Managing emotions
From the high of nailing a complex animation to the low of finding 50 unhandled errors in the console, it’s a lot. I would say this is really the most difficult thing in IT jobs.
Seeing the value of my work and progress
Even with years of experience, Impostor Syndrome likes to whisper in my ear: “You don’t belong here.” It’s a struggle to step back and say, “Hey, I’ve come a long way. That modal didn’t style itself!”
Wanting to do everything alone
I used to think teamwork was just a formality—why rely on others when you can do it all yourself? (Spoiler: because burnout is real, and collaboration often leads to better ideas.)

How I stay sane

Cats: My furry therapists
Petting my cats is like debugging my entire soul. They remind me that sometimes all you need is a nap in a sunny spot and the occasional zoomies around the house.
Aikido training
Throwing people around (safely!) in Aikido twice a week is oddly therapeutic. It also reminds me that balance—physical or metaphorical—is something very important to work on.
Nourishing breaks & stick to the basics
A break isn’t a guilt trip; it’s a productivity hack. I’ll make a smoothie, stretch, or even stare out the window.
Sleep, nutrition, hygiene—these are non-negotiable. It's not easy to fix a memory leak if your body is running on empty.
Practising zazen and reading about Zen
Sitting still and focusing on nothing is harder than it sounds, but it’s incredibly grounding. Zen philosophy also teaches me not to freak out over the “undefined” parts of life. I find comfort in simple things, such as breathing the morning air or playing with a leaf.
Celebrating little wins
Finished that sprint? Solved that weird bug? I treat myself—whether it’s a slice of cake or watching yet another re-run of my favorite movies.
Talking it out
Every team needs an emotional buddy. Mine is a lifesaver when I need to vent about work or just talk about non-work stuff to reset my brain.
Keeping my space tidy
A tidy desk equals a tidy mind. Plus, it’s harder to lose your headphones when your desk doesn’t look like an archaeological dig site.
Switching up work environments
Occasionally, I’ll go to the office (currently working mostly remote) or take my laptop to a library or even just another room. It’s amazing how a change of scenery can refresh your perspective.

Conclusion

Being a Frontend Engineer isn’t just about writing great code; it’s about managing your energy, emotions, and sanity. Sure, some days are harder than others. But with a mix of discipline, self-care, and the occasional cat cuddle, I’ve found ways to keep moving forward without losing myself.

To all the other Frontend Engineers out there: you’ve got this and are all amazing!
My honest wishes are for you to achieve success (in whatever form it makes more sense to you in the moment) and to stay sane in these crazy times.

Let me know your suggestions and ways of coping with daily work! 🙌