[wnolens]

Happened to me at AWS.

And worse, several clearly less talented folks on my team are getting promoted to senior before me (due to tenure/politicking). I virtually took the day off every time it happened.

And worse, my boss promised me promotion in an upcoming cycle once (after 1y), and it didn't come. It's promised to me again (after 2y). Should happen any day now.. can't help but feel it was held hostage to deliver a 6-8mo effort.

The only true leverage I have is to come to my boss with another job offer. And I tried, but couldn't find anything that I was willing to be called my bluff on. Job market is scary. In the US you are competing against 30k-50k layoffs (who are in the top 10% at least).

You are really angry right now, and perhaps rightfully so. Just don't make an objectively bad decision by quitting a job in a recession without another/better one.

Take 2 weeks off. Reduce your work hours/responsibility (if you're not senior, don't work like a Senior). Consider blocking off 2-3h/day for either interview prep, OR indie dev. Write a list of the things you appreciate about your current job and practice gratitude consciously.