[spotman]

Was in an extremely similar situation a few years ago and I kept asking the same question but continuing to burn myself out while I considered what to do.

Finally I just snapped and was unable to work or really communicate with anyone. I stopped showing up and felt horrible for my totally unprofessional exit. I had been barely sleeping and while sure the money was amazing I had no time to spend it.

In hindsight I should have worked on my communication skills and rapidly tapered down my efforts to a sane place. But I waited until I was just broken and had to bail.

However, it was in the end a much much needed rest. I took 4 months off work, got outside a ton, lost a bunch of weight, got my personal life and friendships recalibrated and jobs and work started showing up as soon as I was ready to work again.

Since then I have made healthier habits, and people actually respect me the same amount or more for having those habits. I also have learned tricks to still get an amazing amount of stuff done without burning out, which is largely communication, diet, exercise and sleep, all things I used to be awful at.

Take the break, it will be worth it!

Edit: and with 9 years of experience you already know how to learn, don't make the focus just more technology, at least make it a partial computer break.

[throwavay]

" I kept asking the same question but continuing to burn myself out while I considered what to do." -This is exactly how I feel right now and fear I am headed towards blowing up at my current job because I am just so overstressed. I really like these people I work with and think I need some time away in order to salvage the relationships. Thank you so much for solid advice, you description is spot on to where I am at now and where I want to be.

Thank you!