Ask HN: Career Burnout Looking for Options

Sorry that you are experiencing this.

It's hard to give advice on this sort of topic because I think it is very personal and everyone has unique circumstances.

Have you considered just taking some time off, potentially focusing on hobbies or personal projects and maybe after some so called "down" time an answer would be more clear?

I would echo the sentiment of taking some time. The way to think of this is not as "time off" - but acknowledging that you have the time and space (and resources) to thoughtfully consider your next move. Don't make important decisions under a time-pressure that is self-imposed. Instead, take a month to consider what you want to do during the next state of life - and be grateful that you have the opportunity to consider your next move from this point of view.

If you only had 1 year left to live, what would you do?

Do that. If it gets old, switch gears immediately.

As far as we all know, today could be the last for any of us. Less planning, more living/doing/going.

> I have asked them to terminate my employment immediately so that I can file for unemployment with state of California(my home state).

You don’t ever need anyone’s permission to file for unemployment but telling somebody, “I need you to fire me” is probably not going to work in your favor.

And isn’t max benefit in CA $450/week? I get that it’s better than nothing but you’re probably earning a lot more than that.

> So, I could just "retire" now and pursue other things. But, I want to lead a productive life

From an outside perspective this is a wild statement. Why not retire and pursue a productive life?

Do you really have a clear personal definition of what a productive life looks like to you or is it 100% defined by “working”?

You might be interested in the book Tiny Experiments. It seems like from your track record you set these big goals and then move onto another before seeing anything through? And you feel like you missed out because you never “achieved” what you thought you wanted?

This book presents a very different approach to life that will probably seem very foreign to you but might be interesting and worth pursuing.

I also recommend Tao Te Ching to everyone.

After burning out I thought through several business ideas, but ended up starting a fruit tree farm and getting a motorcycle. Having a blast!

Do a lifestyle startup? Your terms, one man shop type shit.

Or become a consultant?

I’m sure there are things you’re passionate about (doesn’t have to be tech only, maybe you’re a hobbyist carpenter) and know deeply that you can share (for a price) with others.

I'd recommend (if you can afford it of course) to take some time off and see if you can work on something for yourself without a deadline or someone in your ear, just peace and building. Like a structured hobby.

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Have you considered stepping away from startups and shiny-thing, fast growth companies and looking for a role in a company for whom software is not their primary product, or that are in slower moving industries ? Try out insurance/banking, telecommunications, or industrial equipment manufacturers.

If don't need the money, volunteer somewhere.

I think Hashimoto has the right idea with Ghostty. If you have the financial / time freedom (and the spousal support) to tinker with a passion project, that seems like a great way to spend your time and skills without commercial pressures contributing to burnout.

I always like Neal Stephenson’s approach with his Sci-Fi novels too. Most of them have a central conceit based around a topic he wanted to learn more about (linguistics, nanotech, cryptography, etc…), so in essence writing the novel was just an excuse to obsess about that topic for a while.

I would suggest reading Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. I do not agree with everything in it, but it does talk about the common problem of wanting to shift to a life of meaning and connections and possibly giving back. I am not sure if everyone ends up finding a purpose, but some do, myself included. I am deeply thankful for that. Looking at baby pictures is helpful to me, my kids, friends etc. How long a way we have come.

I don't have advice, all I wanted to say is: As a software developer who will almost certainly never retire, with little savings and living in a craphole of a country somewhere far from the USA, I wish I could be in your position.

Do you like working? If you like working and solving problems, it sounds like you have some time to learn new skills and find a company that would value your contributions.

There are small companies/startups that would presumably trade your experience and a desire to not be overworked for a moderate salary.

You obviously can't act like you're looking for a 'chill' job in the interview, but you can be on the lookout for companies that are a bit more relaxed, and if you aren't trying to maximize your comp, they probably will be OK if you don't put in 'startup hours'