[giantg2]

I have become disillusioned by the company I work for, and the industry. After being screwed over and passed over for multiple years, I feel like there's no point in trying to climb the ladder. Why should I try to improve myself for the company's benefit, especially if I'm not going to be rewarded? For reference, I'm a midlevel who has filled the role of senior and even tech lead.

[sebmellen]

I think the real answer is to improve yourself for your own sake, and with luck those improvements will take you somewhere out of your company or even industry. This is similar to the concept of Scott Adams's Talent Stacking (see https://talentstacking.com/about/).

[giantg2]

Maybe I define my self worth outside of my profession. In that case, I wouldn't see additional professional skills as self improvement. If anything, it would be even more of a reason to quit.

[sebmellen]

Don't you think there are a lot of worthwhile, "non-professional" skills to learn as well? I recently read an article about a programmer who learned woodworking, and summarily quit his job to be a woodworker in some rural area, and loved it!

I'm sure there's a lot out there that might interest you, that could turn into a profession you actually enjoy. Just a thought :)