[acuriousloop]

I took what was intended to be a year away from software and I've been feeling happier and more engaged in my work since. I took a job as an IT manager (with no prior IT work experience) at a public service agency along with a 50% pay cut. I spend more time helping people directly with problems and modernizing a lot of outdated systems. Even though I do sometimes miss the pay check, being in an office part time working with people trying to provide a desperately needed resource (public housing in my case), has made me feel more connected to the impact of my work generally. I have had to make some lifestyle changes but a lot of those have felt like a healthy shift too.