Welcome to January. The inbox is overflowing. Q1 goals just dropped. Everyone's talking about resolutions. Here's one worth keeping: Take care of yourself this year.
Not the vague "self-care" that means eye masks and bubble baths (though those are fine). Real, sustainable wellness. The kind that keeps you energized and passionate.
Let's be honest. Tech is hard on people.
Burnout is real. The always-on culture. The 2 AM pages. The pressure to constantly learn, constantly ship, and constantly perform. It catches up with everyone eventually.
Work-life balance is a myth. We've been chasing a fantasy. Integration is more realistic: finding ways to make work and life coexist without one consuming the other.
The Professional Development & Wellness Track at Postgres Conference: 2026
The Professional Development & Wellness track at Postgres Conference 2026 tackles the human side of technical careers. Learn from practitioners who've navigated these challenges and come out stronger.
Topics include:
- Managing and recovering from burnout
- Career advancement strategies
- Leadership development
- Communication skills for technical professionals
- Mental health in tech
- Work-life integration (not balance—integration)
- Building resilience
- Mentorship and sponsors
- Navigating career transitions
- Finding meaning in your work
These aren’t soft skills - these are survival skills. The technical skills that get you hired and motivate you. The human skills keep you going.
Postgres Conference 2025 Professional Development Track Highlights
Listen or watch sessions from the Postgres Conference 2025: Professional Development Track on YouTube.
Register for Postgres Conference: 2026
Postgres Conference: 2026 takes place April 21-23 in San Jose, California. The theme is Energizing People with Data and Creativity, and nothing needs more energy than the people doing the work.
Early bird registration is available now! Purchase your General Admission tickets here.
Call for Postgres Conference 2026 Speakers & Trainers
If you've navigated career challenges and can share lessons from your professional journey, we want to hear from you. The CFP is open across all tracks. Share what you've learned.
CFP closes January 30, 2026: Submit here.