life transitions
The story
I'm 41, living in San Francisco, and working in IT—a field I used to love, or at least respect. But lately, it feels like I’m just drifting through loops of Jira tickets and endless Zoom calls, chasing deadlines that don’t mean anything. The money’s fine, the perks are shiny, and yet every morning I wake up with this dull ache in my chest, wondering, Is this really it? 😶 You ever look at your screen and feel like you’re coding your soul into oblivion? I’ve spent nearly two decades optimizing systems and building apps, but for what? At some point, I stopped building anything that felt like it mattered. I find myself googling “farm jobs in Portugal” or “how to start a tiny house Airbnb in the woods.” A part of me wants out, desperately, and not in a dramatic way—just a quiet pivot into something real. Something grounded.
I had a conversation last week with a friend who left his engineering job to become a school counselor. He told me, “I make half as much, but I sleep better and laugh more.” That stuck with me. What’s the point of security if you’re never mentally present to enjoy it? I keep picturing a life with fewer pings and more peace. I want to do work that aligns with my values, where I’m not just another node in a corporate network. Maybe I’ll teach, maybe I’ll run a coffee truck in a mountain town; I don’t know yet, and that uncertainty is actually kind of exciting. Even my therapist said, “Sometimes burnout is just your soul begging you to pay attention.” And I am. I’m listening—finally. I’ve started saving more aggressively, decluttering my place, and having the tough conversations with myself. Do I stay and numb myself with stability, or leap and try to rediscover meaning?
If you’re still reading this, maybe you’ve felt it too—that pull toward something different. Something simpler, more aligned. I’m not naive; I know leaving a career at this stage isn’t easy. But maybe what’s harder is staying in a space that quietly chips away at your spirit. I don’t hate tech, but I do resent what it turned me into—a guy who checks his Slack messages on vacation and calls it “being responsible.” 🤦♂️ There’s a whole world out there, and I’m finally curious enough to step into it. One of my favorite quotes lately is from Joseph Campbell: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” So I guess the question is—what are you afraid to leave behind; and is it truly serving you, or just keeping you comfortably stuck?
Stories in the same category
Points of view
I completely agree with your perspective. It sounds like tech has turned into a bit of a soul-sucker for you, and it makes total sense to seek a path that resonates with you more; life’s too short to spend it feeling unfulfilled. The idea of transitioning to something that feels real and grounded is refreshing✨. It's pretty awesome that you're taking steps to explore these new possibilities and align with what truly matters to you. Keep at it, and who knows what amazing opportunities might unfold?!? Whatever you choose, I hope it brings you peace and fulfillment along your journey😊!
I hear you loud and clear on this one. It’s all too common to feel like the daily grind in tech just isn’t doing it anymore. Your quote about burnout being "your soul begging you to pay attention" really hits home; sometimes it’s necessary to listen to that inner voice. Reinventing yourself and your career can really open up a world of possibilities. Sure, the shift might be scary, but it could also be super exciting!?! Whatever you choose, hoping it brings you more peace and happiness.
Man, I get it, but don't you think it's kinda naive to believe a switch to farm work or running a coffee truck will be all rainbows and butterflies?? Sure, the corporate world can be draining, but no job's perfect! Remember those days when we thought getting into tech would solve everything? 😂 Trust me, I don't mean to be harsh, but quitting just because you're chasing a “dream” ain't always realistic; things are tough out there, and security counts for something. I once thought about leaving my dull desk job to open a bakery because I enjoyed baking cookies on weekends, only to realize it’s hard work with crazy hours and high risk. Maybe try finding ways to make your current gig more tolerable or pick up a hobby that ignites some passion without jumping ship!?! It's not like everybody smiling more earning half the money! 🤨
absolutely feel you on this one. it's like you've reached a point where the daily grind just doesn't cut it anymore, and that's totally valid; pursuing something more meaningful can truly enrich your life in unexpected ways. life really is too short to spend it feeling hollow or unfulfilled, isn't it? your desire for peace and meaningful work seems like a natural progression for anyone who's done the same thing for too long. making a big career shift can be scary, but the excitement of exploring new paths and possibilities is often worth it. downsizing, saving, and having those tough conversations with yourself are all steps forward. you’re doing all the right things! it’s quite inspiring to read about your journey, and I truly hope the path you choose brings you joy and fulfillment.
Hey, I totally get where you're coming from, and you're definitely not alone in this feeling. It seems like you've hit a point where the daily sprint through Jira tickets and relentless Zoom meetings aren't cutting it anymore, and that's completely understandable; the tech world can sometimes feel like it's draining every ounce of passion you once had. The thought of pivoting to something more tangible and fulfilling, like starting a tiny house Airbnb or a coffee truck, is really appealing and can offer a sense of purpose that's currently missing. It’s impressive how you’re having those deep, introspective conversations with yourself and taking active steps to align your life with your values. At the end of the day, finding peace and fulfillment in your work is essential, and it's great that you're open to exploring new paths. Whatever decision you make, I hope it leads to a rewarding and satisfying journey ahead!
Honestly, I get where you're coming from, and it's about time you stopped wasting away in a job that doesn't do it for you anymore. The repetitive cycle of endless Jira tickets and Zoom calls would drive anyone nuts. You know, it’s commendable that you’re contemplating a shift to something that actually brings you joy; it’s like, who wants to be stuck in a rut forever? 🙄 Just make sure you’re not leaping into some fantasy land without thinking things through. Bottom line is, whatever path you choose, it better be one that lights up your life and doesn’t suck your soul dry like your current gig.
absolutely understanding ur perspective here u know it's a universal struggle in the tech industry the monotony of jira tasks and persistent zoom calls can definitely exasperate one's enthusiasm the quote "sometimes burnout is just your soul begging to pay attention" really speaks volumes it resonates with the reality of feeling unfulfilled in spite of having all the material security it's commendable that ur proactively seeking a path that's more aligned with ur values and interests 😌 embarking on a new journey might indeed be intimidating but the potential for growth and satisfaction it offers can be immense keep listening to that inner voice and hopefully it leads u to a more gratifying and fulfilling career path