10 things IT pros do that lead to burnout

Here are 10 things that an IT professional might be doing that will ultimately lead to poorer performance and an unhealthy lifestyle.

1: Never say no
2: Skip the vacation
3: Skip lunch
4: Work insane hours
5: Disregard family time
6: Fail to watch your health
7: Forgo hobbies
8: Go it alone
9: Create unrealistic expectations
10: Pull all-nighters

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10 ways to stall out your IT career

Despite the down economy, the IT industry seems to be holding up relatively well, and in many areas it still has good opportunities. However, that doesn’t mean that IT professionals do not have to work hard to have a career that keeps them employed and growing. Here are some common mistakes IT professionals make that can compromise their careers.

1: Not staying up-to-date with technical skills
2: Not learning soft skills
3: Confusing “today” with “tomorrow”
4: Refusing internal career shifts
5: Falling in love with the wrong tech
6: Not specializing (or not being an awesome generalist)
7: Being unwilling to manage
8: Doing it for a paycheck
9: Isolating yourself from the rest of the companyjavascript:void(0)
10: Not knowing the job market

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10+ IT organizations that can boost your career

Joining a professional organization is more than just a convenient way to beef up your resume. Groups such as the ones listed below can help you enhance your technical and career skills. If you need a first-hand opinion about a vendor — or you want the inside scoop on a competitive job — one of these associations can help.

Many organizations offer a wide range of benefits and services. Besides networking opportunities, several groups provide discounts on everything from magazine subscriptions to travel. Many have comprehensive Web sites and organize conferences or workshops.

TechRepublic contributor Suzanne Thornberry updated our listing of some of the best-known organizations for IT pros.

See the list (though little dated)