Bipolar Dev Manager Outsources Brain to AI, Finally Achieves Work-Life Balance

A software engineering manager with over 11 years of experience in higher education IT has shared his personal story of managing Bipolar II, diabetes, and recovery from alcoholism. Despite receiving "Exceptional Year" ratings and being described as a "force multiplier" and "technical backbone," he struggled with hypomanic phases and crashes, using work as a coping mechanism after getting sober in 2020. He realized that managing his health is not separate from his job, but rather a crucial part of it. By prioritizing energy management and rest, he has developed a hybrid system using tools like GTD, time blocking, and Pomodoro to optimize his work. His approach has made him a better manager, focusing on building systems that don't require heroes and elevating his team. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, reliability, and a supportive work environment, particularly for those managing chronic conditions, and notes that sustainable and reliable work beats exceptional but erratic output.