I'm in the middle of a pivot out, having recently quit what was my "dream job" at a top company while making the most money I've earned in my career.
I knew it was coming eventually after having burned out a couple times at prior jobs. In all cases it was caused by a mix of the factors the article mentions plus a lack of meaning and fulfillment as a software engineer that I've never been able to escape. This last role was sort of a last ditch effort to see if a renowned company, good salary, and good manager could make things better. It didn't, and in fact I think it was the cognitive dissonance of that situation that lead me to burnout harder and more quickly than I have in past positions.
I've had a few weeks to reflect and recharge and so far I have no regrets.
The next step is to try hard to find a better option in another industry or some form of self-employment, though it's required some mindfulness to be honest with myself about what I truly want and could be qualified for. I also know that I could easily just go right back into the fray; who could give up the money and stability? I don't take those for granted. It's certainly a far better option than failing my family or going into poverty. But I'm optimistic I can make it work.
I knew it was coming eventually after having burned out a couple times at prior jobs. In all cases it was caused by a mix of the factors the article mentions plus a lack of meaning and fulfillment as a software engineer that I've never been able to escape. This last role was sort of a last ditch effort to see if a renowned company, good salary, and good manager could make things better. It didn't, and in fact I think it was the cognitive dissonance of that situation that lead me to burnout harder and more quickly than I have in past positions.
I've had a few weeks to reflect and recharge and so far I have no regrets.
The next step is to try hard to find a better option in another industry or some form of self-employment, though it's required some mindfulness to be honest with myself about what I truly want and could be qualified for. I also know that I could easily just go right back into the fray; who could give up the money and stability? I don't take those for granted. It's certainly a far better option than failing my family or going into poverty. But I'm optimistic I can make it work.