Mental Health in Tech Mechanical Ink Studio

This episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast features Erik Andersen, also known as the world’s happiest software engineer, who delves into the mental health challenges faced by developers in the tech industry, and the importance of supporting junior developers and fostering a supportive tech community. Erik shares that while he does call himself the world’s happiest software engineer, this is more of a goal and a means to keep himself accountable. Erik continues to highlight the strategies he employs to not only cope with, but thrive while living with anxiety, and depression, dealing with burnout, and fostering a work-life balance.
The conversation also explores the role of employers in creating a supportive work environment that values work-life balance and invests in their employee's mental health and professional development. Eric emphasizes the importance of finding a job that aligns with one's values, provides a sense of purpose, and allows for a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, the impact of AI on the job market and its potential effect on the mental health of junior developers is discussed, underscoring the need for support and empowerment within the tech community.
Take care of yourself while listening.
We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.
Links
* Erik Andersen on LinkedIn
* The Junior Jobs podcast
* Book: Extreme Ownership
* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink Studio - Open Source - Open Web! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast, Schalk Venter and I spoke with Russ Jones about the mental health landscape from a broader perspective. Russ, known for his ADHD Big Brother podcast, opened up about his late ADHD diagnosis and its profound impact on his life and career decisions. With a backdrop of personal anecdotes and a collective understanding of mental health challenges, this conversation was both enlightening and deeply humanizing.
We explored the complexities of mental health challenges, sharing our own experiences with anxiety, depression, and the incessant pressures of the tech world. Together, we delved into the importance of community support, accountability, and the need for open conversations about mental well-being.
Our dialogue, rich with personal insights and collective wisdom, highlighted that mental health struggles in tech are a common thread that binds many of us. This episode serves as a reminder that our shared vulnerabilities are what make us stronger, and in acknowledging them, we pave the way for healing and growth.
Join Schalk, Russ, and myself as we unravel the silent struggles of mental health in tech, reminding listeners that they're not alone in this journey.
Take care of yourself while listening.
We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.
Links
* Russ Jones - ADHD Big Brother
* Descending to the top e-book
* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

The episode features a deep dive into Darko Arnautovic's professional journey in the tech industry, highlighting the challenges and growth he experienced. It covers his transition from initial technician roles to more senior roles in web development and management.
A recurring theme in the podcast was Darko's mental health struggles, particularly in the context of his professional life. He spoke candidly about feeling unsupported and isolated in certain roles, leading to his decision to leave positions where he felt he wasn't set up to succeed. Darko's narrative highlighted the importance of mental health support in the workplace, especially in high-stress environments like the tech industry.
The conversation also touched on the difficulty of balancing work with personal life. Darko reflected on the impact of his professional struggles on his home life, emphasizing the need for a supportive home environment and the challenges of navigating mental health while maintaining a career and family life.
Additionally, the episode explores Darko's background as an immigrant in South Africa, shedding light on how cultural identity and personal experiences shape one's professional journey. The hosts, Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter contribute their perspectives on the tech industry's dynamics, further enriching the conversation about the impact of this fast-paced sector on individuals' mental well-being.
Take care of yourself while listening.
We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.
Links
* Darko Arnautovic on LinkedIn
* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink Studio
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Continue the conversation on GitHub or here on Substack
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Help Others Find The Podcast
* Rate and review on Spotify
* Rate and review on Apple Podcasts


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast, hosts Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter, along with guest Kevin Ball (KBall), discuss the often-overlooked emotional and interpersonal aspects of working in technology. They highlight the unique challenges faced by those in tech, especially programmers, in terms of mental health and the often intense pressures when building a startup. The conversation brings to light the critical importance of soft skills and the role of open source as a valuable learning and networking platform. The hosts and guest emphasize the need for authenticity in networking within the tech community and underscore the significance of emotional resilience in both learning and professional growth.
Some of the main takeaways:
* Emotional Aspect of Learning to Code: The emotional side of learning to code, particularly how beginners often lose motivation or confidence, is highlighted. The importance of teaching in a way that maintains engagement and builds confidence is emphasized.
* Open Source as a Learning Platform: Open source is discussed as an underutilized tool for learning coding and developing interpersonal skills. It offers an opportunity for beginners to engage with real-world projects and communities.
* Networking in Tech: The significance of networking in the tech industry is underlined, with a focus on sincerity and building genuine connections rather than opportunistic networking.
Take care of yourself while listening.
We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Continue the conversation on GitHub
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Links
* KBall on LinkedIn
* The Human Skills podcast
* JSParty
* Sarah Drasner on the Human Skills podcast
* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast, co-hosts Schalk Neethling and Schalk Venter delve into a conversation with Jeremy Nagel, creator of Focus Bear, examining the intersection of cognitive science, mental well-being, and technology's impact on our daily lives. The discussion revolves around implementing behavioral strategies to mitigate tech-induced anxiety and distraction.
They navigate the nuances of utilizing digital tools like Focus Bear as a means to bolster the 'planner brain' against our more primal instincts, reinforcing the notion that self-discipline can be cultivated through thoughtful design and self-awareness practices. Furthermore, the conversation broadens to embrace the nuances of ADHD and how neurodiversity can shape our perceptions of justice and activism, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing global challenges.
This episode provides a deep dive into the art of balancing technology with human-centric approaches to foster a healthier, more focused mind.
Take care of yourself while listening
We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please contact a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need.
Community
* Join the community on Slack
* Continue the conversation on GitHub
* Support the podcast on Patreon
* Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link)
Links
* Jeremy Nagel on LinkedIn
* Focus Bear
* Schalk Venter on LinkedIn
* Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
* Mechanical Ink
Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com

In this captivating episode titled "Self-Acceptance, Embracing Vulnerability, and Creating a Supportive Work Culture," guest Bavani Chetty shares her journey towards self-acceptance, highlighting the challenges and rewards of embracing one's true self. We discuss loneliness, how an accurate diagnosis can make a world of difference, how pushing oneself into uncomfortable positions is a means for growth, the importance of cultivating a supportive work culture, and how finding the right therapist for you can be life-changing.
Take care of yourself while listening.
We touch on sensitive topics as part of this podcast. Those topics can include mental illness, depression, suicide ideation, death, and related mental health and mental illness topics. We understand that these subjects can be sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being and mental health while listening. If you feel overwhelmed or need support, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a helpline in your country. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available. Follow the link to find the help you need. https://resources.byspotify.com/
Links

Bavani Chetty on LinkedIn
Schalk Venter on LinkedIn
Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn
Continue the conversation on GitHub.

Join the community on Slack.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com