Deal with burnout as a solo tester

Hi! Long time no write here.

I started my professional career in 2015. I was first a developer (for almost two years), and then I transitioned to the testing area (in 2018). I started as an Exploratory Tester («Manual Tester») and recently I do automation testing (my current position is SDET).

Since I started in the testing area I have almost always been alone doing my job. Very rarely have I had the support of my team, or my high level leads, to do my job, and I also notice that unfortunately this scenario is repeated in several places (it seems that companies don’t care much about quality. And if they do hire a tester, he/she is usually alone against the world).

I’m burned out, and I don’t know what else to do. I’m the only one who automates tests, and I’m not synced with my fellow developers testing the new functionalities that they constantly release. Asking for one more resource to help me with my work I see it as a double-edged sword (for reasons that I prefer not to discuss here).

I admit that there are technical issues that I still don’t master, but also all this workload has made me doubt the things that I do know how to do and the next steps I should take.

Only in one project did I have two other fellow testers, but in the end it was like being alone.

I have a lot on my mind right now about my personal and professional situation, but I think I’ve let off some steam here a little bit.

How have you dealt with situations like mine?

Thanks for reading me :people_hugging: .

9 Likes

Check with your GP and get prescription for Psychotherapy. In many countries it is a recognized mental health issue and potentially treated by several organizations.
If your life is impacted(psychosomatic symptoms), try to take some paid medical sick leave and extend if needed .
Switch jobs, it can be the same role in a different company (where you like the atmosphere during the interview/have a good feeling about it).
Switch role within the company or applying to another company.
Change the country to somewhere that could make you feel better about yourself in your daily life.
Establish work/life boundaries. Take on hobbies if you don’t have already many that you enjoy and take lots of time. Fill in your spare time with experiences you enjoy.
At work, take more breaks, take things at slower pace, reduce your expectations and pressure you might put on yourself, talk to colleagues work and non-work related things.
Have at least a couple of talks with your manager and HR explaining how you feel about the role/job.
Network with other people in similar roles, or and meet other people/friends/family regularly to break the mindset from what you do at work.
Most of our work is meaningless, so don’t try to lie to yourself that the work done is important or that failure isn’t an option. We all have managers responsible for the decisions they make in regards to our work goal.
Take all your vacation days, take unpaid days off, or even quit your job and live off of savings for several months if you don’t see a way to take a break and you need it to restructure/rethink your life.

7 Likes

That sounds tough Armando, so I feel for you.

I have been in similar situation and the cause was a lack of direction and clarity of expectations - not just in the products but in the teams.
A motto I always lived by was “if I do nothing, nothing changes” but admittedly I have the confidence in myself to know the value I bring so I’m not frightened of asking tough questions - politely and professionally. So I had to ask my stakeholders the open questions. Ultimately it resulted in me leaving within 10 months of starting - 2 years later the company is no more…action validated.

So a small sample of my open questions are below (they may not relate to your situation so you need to adapt them):

  • Line Manager - how are you evaluating my performance in my role?
  • Product Manager - what does success look like for the product we’re developing if we deliver on time?
  • Engineering Manager - what’s our strategy for software development? What work is in and what work is outsourced?
  • Software developers - what testing do you think you have covered? Where can my testing make a difference to you?

There were more over time, but from my questions I came to the conclusion that the team was just doing what it was told, didn’t really have a direction or own its success. So I knew my role was going to be inconsequential in this environment and it was time to move somewhere I could make a difference and grow with others.

Obviously, as you mentioned you have other personal challenges which I can’t comment on. But as I said, a key aspect on this is self worth and confidence in what you bring to the table. I don’t think this situation has anything to do with your skills as a tester from what you’ve explained. So you need an environment that can bring the best out in you. Ask the right questions and you’ll at least establish if this is an environment that deserves you.

6 Likes

@arcigo, thank you so much for speaking up about this. Your willingness to be vulnerable is honored here and there are others that have been where you are.

While I haven’t experienced burnout personally, I can say that I have experienced what it’s like being in a solo position. I’m a solo QA where I work at present.

Even on a good day, when I have the support I need, sometimes, I feel alone in what I’m trying to do. It takes a lot of work to communicate to those around you what you need and I know what that feels like.

I can speak to what helps me and I’m happy to offer what my personal practices are (just let me know and I can post it) but I’m curious about a few things.

Questions?

  • Are you included in meetings? Are you aware of features in the works that you can prepare for them in a good amount of time
  • Is there anyone you’ve worked with (team leads, developers, anyone in engineering, or product) who might act as a quality champion with you?
  • Do you have the support of your manager? Are you both clear on the expectations you’ve been handed?
  • What things would you like to be different? Sometimes change is more in reach than we realize and identifying what changes you’d like to see in place is a good starting point.

Additonally, as mentioned, talk to a physician or a therapist. And, keep speaking up in the testing community. Having places like this where we can share our thoughts is helpful in identifying next steps.

We’re here for you. Please keep us updated.

10 Likes

Not getting in sync with developers because of constant release is a common issue these days, as most organizations have shifted toward the “fast development fast delivery” concept.

In my opinion, even if you are a single tester, still you hold some significance in your organization as a tester. So you can discuss the issue with your manager about the expectations they have from you and you can further share your expectations, that you need to meet those expectations.

Even if manager is not possible then you can talk to your developers that what process they follow for release, may be understanding their thought and process might help you in getting out of these never-ending loop of syncing issue.

I know it is easier to say than be done but at the end of the day, communication is the key. Struggling with burnout will have worse consequences on your current job as well as on your next job.

In such a situation, a counselor can help you a bit, because as you said you cannot mention all the details here so maybe without those details, getting a complete context of your situation may not be possible. But if you consult such a person at least you can share all whole details without any fear or issue.

Also as there are many AI tools in the market, you can take their help in coding or framework development, they may reduce your burden by a bit.

Lastly, as you are in automation and have experience of so many years, you can look for better opportunities. Obviously market situation is tough but surviving in such a workplace is more tougher.

5 Likes

I know that this things might vary in different cultures, but I’ve worked as a manager and a tester multinationally since the 90’s, for many decades and my general advice is - talk with your manager. A manager worth the name will help you prioritize. I was, as a manager always happy when one of my programmers or testers came having 70% work load from different projects, to help sorting the priorities out.

Then, I think that you, as a tester is more of a craftsman maybe than a programmer, and you have to like that. I like that. There will be fewer testers, and the methodologies will be more unclear, unless you work at a mega place - which does not seem to be the case for you. And when you’ve learned the craft you will know what is needed to get things done in the time appointed. Not easy but thats my experience.

As far as automation - one of my favorite test question - is concerned, Automation is in my humble opinion more about programming than testing, and I try to involve programmers in automations as much as possible. That is - actual programmers or testers with a love for programming. Don’t know how you feel about the automation, as an activity? And yes ChatGPT helps.

I sincerely hope you find the way out of your situation. Keep us updated.

3 Likes

Hello! Good on you for reaching out.

I’ve only worked as a lone tester for a bit at one company which was followed by building a team (at that same company). So I don’t have lots of experience in that respect, however, a lot of what you’re saying sounds familiar.

@jmosley5 asks some great questions. I was left out of a lot of meetings but I found it really helpful to befriend developers and talk things through with them. Speaking to people about the products/features/processes helps massively in feeling part of the team, let alone finding an ally to help focus on quality.

If you’re able to get involved in conversations and meetings about features before they land on your plate that will help you as well as helping the team. Is there any discussion around quality at all or shared responsibility around the outcome of what you’re building?

I had to be quite vigilant to know what was going on in terms of meetings I knew was going to be left out of. If I heard about people getting together to discuss something relevant to my work I would ask to be included. Sometimes I’d be told no because the business couldn’t charge the client for me to be included a meeting (I was working for an agency at the time) but a lot of the time it wasn’t a problem, especially if it was an internal meeting. It is tiring, boring and at times disheartening having to constantly ask to be involved but eventually some people will start to include you as standard. And you get to have input so you’re being proactive rather than reactive.

I found it helped to not be afraid to be a bit of an ahole as well. Unfortunately, there’s an element of fighting to it, which is unfair and sucks, but is kind of the way of the QA and you have to stand up for yourself, as I’m sure you’re already aware. It might not apply to you but when I was a bit of an ahole and stood up for myself it gave me more control, more self-belief and seemingly more respect from others. I remember letting a project manager know in no uncertain times hat it wasn’t okay for them to just make estimates for me and assign my time without asking me first and the head of design saying he wished he could stand up in the same way. It was uncomfortable doing it but it helped.

Also, out of curiosity, where does the drive for automation come from? Is it required by management or something you’ve put in place?

In terms of burnout, I’ve had to take time out with stress in the past as recommended by a doctor. It’s definitely worth speaking to your manager to see if there’s anything they can do. And speaking with other leads in your company. Even if it’s just to build more rapport with them and feel like part of the team. It can definitely lead to them looking out for you as well. I remember a dev building a whole testing tool into an app because I spoke to him a lot and so he considered me in the process. And also speaking to the testing community helps (which you’ve already started which is great). And speaking to friends or family or anyone who can listen.

Hobbies and looking after yourself are incredibly helpful, as well as setting boundaries (if only with yourself) to try and address the work/life balance (not sure if this an issue for you, but I was working on average nearly 10 hours extra a week when I was the sole tester). And remember, it’s not your business. You don’t have to care with all of your being, if that’s what’s happening. It helps to have some distance mentally.

Do seek professional help if you need it, though, like others have said. It sounds like you’re at a point where it would be helpful to you, tbh. It’s worth doing, even if you only need a helping hand. I did Cognitive Behavioural Therapy years ago and it still helps me to this day.

And again like others have said, there is the option to look for a new job. You’ll have picked up invaluable skills along the way and a different perspective to a lot of people who haven’t done the role of sole tester. Would you like to join a team of testers/QAs?

It sounds like hard work where you are and in terms of the business it sounds like a cultural shift would help you. That’s obviously an awful lot of work for one person and tbh not very achievable unless your CEO (who can get however many people to do it for them). But, it is possible to make small changes around you that can help you (and others). Communication is massive, whether it’s working with your team or looking after yourself.

Sorry if this is a bit of an essay filled with nonsense. It’s a complicated subject with a lot to be said (and done) about it!

4 Likes

@ipstefan , @ghawkes , @jmosley5 , @ujjwal.singh , @anders62 , @olly_f .-

Thank you so much for your answers. Thank you so much for reading me. You’ve mentioned things that I’ve been considering for a while. Regarding psychological therapy, I have already been taking it and I recently changed my psychologist.

I’m included in my team meetings, but it has been difficult to find support for some initiatives I’ve wanted to propose regarding testing. I still feel alone against the world. My current Product Leader told me that when they opened the vacancy for which I was hired, they didn’t have a clear idea of what they wanted.

The work environment I’m in is too fast paced. I’ve noticed many people on the verge of burn-out or already in burn-out, but no one expresses it.

I would like to move to new workplaces with better working environments, where I have the support of someone else to do my testing. Maybe it’s a pipe dream. But also, with those things I briefly shared, I’m not feeling confident in doing the things for which I would be hired («Impostor Syndrome» + lack of knowledge in deep topics like CI or non functional testing). I know I’m not an expert in so many things around testing, but I also understimate my current knowledge.

@jmosley5 .-

I can speak to what helps me and I’m happy to offer what my personal practices are (just let me know and I can post it)

Please, proceed.

Thanks!

3 Likes

Going to see your GP is good advice, and I would do that first. Your health is most important. I have also worked as a solo tester and wrote this about juggling work for more than one team: How a lone tester can work across teams If you are still struggling I and others are always happy to talk to you and listen .

3 Likes

@arcigo, thank you for giving us a clearer picture of where you are. That helps us offer advice that is more applicable to your situation.

A few things come to mind:

  • Honor and congratulate yourself on what you’ve accomplished so far. Hopefully, you have a manager or a co-worker who can help you identify your wins already. Sometimes, if I don’t acknowledge them, I can go days thinking I haven’t made a difference. That’s never true. When I sit down and think about what I’ve accomplished, even if it’s down to “I asked a question in the meeting that made others reflect on the current design of the app”, that is progress. Write down your progress every day! I write mine on Post-its and read them the next morning so that I remember that I can do good and I am doing good.

  • If you need to look for another job, feel free to do so. Don’t worry so much about what you don’t know. Look for positions that support a learning environment. I got my first gig that included automation without knowing automation. I was honest with them in the interview, and I was clear on my intention on learning automation. I think I told them, “I’ll be learning automation either on your team or on my own.” A bit brash of me for sure, but I got the job and it was one of the best experiences I ever had.

  • If you choose to stay, (and that’s okay, btw) ask yourself what you would like to change. You don’t have to dream big and maybe you don’t know! Maybe the next step is, “I’d like to think of ways where I can add quality to the current process”. Write out how you can see things moving in a better direction and, if possible, write down what would help things to move in a better direction.

  • Consider that the people you work with are your stakeholders. Maybe, it would be good to go back to Product Leader and ask what they would like to see! You’ve made your list. Find out what their list is and see what overlaps! When I first take on a new job, I like to talk to several different departments and listen to what their pain points are so I can figure out if my role can affect change for them. I’m not a superwoman. But, going into meetings with that type of knowledge can make you a valued teammate pretty quickly. Being a voice for others is a great way to create a positive impact (whether the changes are implemented or not).

  • Oh my. Imposter Syndrome. If there is a table for people who face imposter syndrome, I would be sitting at it. I struggle so much with this, especially when it comes to taking big risks. I wrote a post about IS that you’re welcome to check out. In summary, I focus on my reasons for risking vs. trying to quiet down the imposter syndrome. I can’t shake the terrible feeling that people will discover that I’m dumb. But, I can create what I want to see in the world because it is the right thing to do.

  • Keep learning. Read articles, talk to the good folks here, even a 1/2 hour of good exposure to great testing resources can make what you bring to your team invaluable. There are lots of great conferences around the world that might be available to you in regard to testing. Sometimes being physically surrounded by the people who do what you do helps take you to where you need to go.

I hope this helps. Please let us know how things go. We’re here to support you and to ensure you have what you need. And, take what I said with a grain of salt. Not everything may make sense for your situation. Hopefully, something will.

3 Likes

@mikeharris @jmosley5 .-

Thanks for your entries. I read them.

Probably I’ll contact you later to get more inputs.

3 Likes

@arcigo That is great. I’d be pleased to talk

2 Likes

First thing first , ur not alone @arcigo …You have reached out to this amazing community , and I can already see so many awesome replies here, which might be helpful to u and its worth a try to see if it makes any difference.

I have faced these situations where i felt unrecognised and undervalued in spite of all the efforts and hardwork put it in.

Things that has helped me n happy to post it here

Setup a 1-1 meeting with ur manager and here few questions u can ask :

  1. What do you expect from me?
  2. What can I count on you for?
  3. Is there anything important I should be aware of?
  4. How will I know if I’m heading in the right direction?

Being advocate of myself :

  1. Its very important to highlight the achievements by explaining what i did, problems i solved, who it helped, and the impact it had on the project.
  2. Provide evidence of ur work,it might be reports, metrics, no of test cases automated, and its important that aligns with ur goals and objectives set by ur manager
  3. Gather and apply feedback regularly gather feedback from peers and leaders, and use it to improve and better communicate your value.

If ur burned out AI can be a great assistant to help u easy out some of the day to day testing activities you do or simply take a break !

Stay relevant by upscaling urself, follow market trends, leverage online free resources.

Continuous Learning !

Don’t associate learning with fear, it’s not going to work out…

If I don’t learn this, Fear of losing job or fear of not getting that promotion, basically fear of missing out
When we feel scared, our brain switches to a different mode.

It’s like when we see a big, scary monster and we just want to run away.

The part of our brain that helps us think and make smart choices goes on a little break…

which then it becomes hard to solve problems or make good decisions when we’re afraid.

So what we do? And it’s simple accepting that ur going to fail at it multiple times, ur going to make mistakes , ur not going to get everything at one go,
n hopefully u will get there one day only with practice n consistency:)

Lastly Check out this book on 50-tips-to-improve-tester-programmer-relationship

Hope it helps or it may not make any sense at all, but know for sure ur not alone

All the best!

4 Likes

I’d be more careful and cautious of giving health/medical advice in a direction that could lead the person to more anxiety, panic attacks and depression. I’ve seen and experienced that before and working through a burnout in the wrong direction destroys people’s lives!

I agree, sooner it’s a nice thing to do. Not in the burnout stage.

I got told and heard from others from their managers: that they’re incompetent, at fault for a project/task failure, not doing enough, not working extra/overtime like others do, that they are paid way too much for what they do, that it’s their fault of how they feel, that they should be grateful that they have a job, and so on.

At that point in time, it’s too late. This can backfire when the manager, who has lead you to be burned out, on purpose I’d assume, would give negative feedback trying to defend themselves: they can say that you’ve been focused in the wrong things, haven’t been on time with X, you caused Y problem, not enough knowledge of Z, too slow to deliver. The person now needs validation, confidence, acceptance, good words, some time off of company/project problems (which their manager might not be willing to allow).

For the rest of your advices with learning, I agree, go deep into difficult things, they’ll be painful to start with, but it can only get better. But be careful to be in a good state of mind when approaching it.
I wouldn’t recommend it to someone that’s already burned out, due to the fact that they are already in conflict with their work/profession(they could be overwhelmed by the current work, it could deepen the self distrust that it’s them the ones with the problem and not the managers/understaffing, expectations, they might need to slow down and rest and not push more).

I know my reply can seem rather negative, but experience taught me to be careful. It’s easier to fail than to succeed.

I’m feeling in this scenario.

2 Likes

Oh, I think I feel you. Honestly, there’s some “bad" but real-life advice - if companies don’t care much about quality, why should you care trying to change their mindset? You can give it all, but at the end of the day, your goal should be your well-being and career growth, not saving a company that doesn’t appreciate your effort.
If you’re burned out, stop pushing yourself so hard. Take a break, go on vacation, or just mentally step back for a bit. You can do the bare minimum to keep things going while you focus on figuring out your next move. This isn’t about being lazy - it’s about protecting your mental health and energy.
You can’t always change the culture or convince others to value testing. It sucks, but their success (or failure) isn’t your responsibility. If they don’t want to invest in quality, let them deal with the consequences. In the meantime, start exploring what you want, maybe a new job, maybe more time to improve some of your skills etc
This is just a job, a job isn’t your entire life. It’s just a part of it, and it should be a smaller part, less important part. Be chill about the crap at work and your career. Deal with your personal life - this is really important. Don’t let work ruin your life and your mental health, move your focus to stuff that is really important to you

4 Likes

Thanks for your priceless words. You’re right!

3 Likes

You only can do your best and see the enjoyment of testing, I like exploratory testing, experiment, performance testing but also writing scripted tests for automatic checking.

Changing jobs companies often will not help (grass is not greener on the other side). Just ensure that the quality what you deliver is good and give good advise or identify risks which you see in software to the stake holders. Then you have done good Job. Testers are also often politicians, sometimes it takes time and data/finding to convince stakeholders.

Success

It often can help. You get to try and choose a job where you’d do something you like. But you do get rid of a set of problems and get another one instead.
You can get a different country, colleagues, technical domain, business domain, management, culture, role, responsibilities.
Almost everything was different for me when I changed my job.
I can’t say it would be the same for all though, as I assume you might not have had similar experiences.

1 Like

I think there are good suggestions given above.
First thing to do is have 1-1 with your line manager.
Talk to cross team testers. Have a testers group with in organization.

1 Like