[Blackstone4]

From what I've read, I feel like you have the ability to weld considerable power to change your circumstances. You are the most senior engineer at a technical startup. If you leave it could kill the company. At the same time the management might not have the wisdom to see that.

What is making you feel burnt out? Long hours? Management? Long commutes?

How can you mitigate the feeling of burnout in the short term to give you some room to think and plan your next move? Could you take a holiday. Could you work less hours? Could you bring in healthier boundaries with your manager and colleagues.

If you can alleviate the stress in the short-term, it could make it easier to find another job/opportunity.

If you see no way of doing this, then quit. Your health is your most important asset.

Believe in yourself that you can find something and the future is bright. :) You make your own luck and fortune favors the brave.

[matburnout]

Thanks a lot for those questions, they are really helpful in self evaluation and deciding on further steps. Sometimes I think I should be more patient but somedays I feel like I should just drop it and hope for the best.

[Blackstone4]

Glad you found them helpful.

I might also suggest meditation and using the Headspace app to get started :) I found doing just 10 minutes a day helped me through a stressful period.

[matburnout]

I just started meditating last week, after realizing I'm starting to feel miserable. Did you feel better after first sessions or did it take some time before you saw some changes?

[Blackstone4]

It takes time so keep at it.

It won't necessity solve your problems but you'll be able to better process your feelings.

I found it helped give me more clarity over what I wanted.

Stay strong and find a solution that works for you. We all hate uncertainty but it's a big part of life. Reading Buddhist philosophy helped me realize I'm going to be okay no matter what happens. Even if I lose my job. No matter what happens I can deal with it