Rediscovering My Passion: From Burnout Back to Excitement
I used to lose track of time coding—pulling late-night sessions just because it was fun. My side projects weren’t even for work; they were pure passion. But after eight years in my last job, I started dreading my IDE. What used to feel like play became a drag, and I’d find myself sighing every time I opened a file. Eventually I realized I had to leave. It took me a couple of years to build up the courage, but quitting turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The Burnout Trap
It wasn’t one big meltdown—more like a slow leak. Mornings felt like a weight, and solving bugs stopped being exciting. Instead of tackling deadlines, I felt chained to them. I realized:
- Working there drained me.
- Constant context-switching killed my focus.
- It seemed I carried the company, without being valued.
I missed enjoying coding just for the fun.
Hitting Pause (Kind Of)
I spent almost two years unemployed by choice. I didn’t code at all. Some days I loved it—rock climbing, nature photography, and new hobbies filled my time. Other days I hated not writing a single line of code. That push-and-pull helped me figure out what I really wanted.
Back to Reality
After two years, money became a reality check. I had to decide: go back to coding (safe) or switch industries (scary). I started applying and interviewing, but every process felt off—ghosting, weird vibes, nothing clicked. I worried I wasn’t valuable anymore.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Then one company reached out, and the process was different from day one:
- Clear process—no radio silence.
- Genuine conversations—they listened and answered my questions.
- Human vibe—every interview felt respectful.
The technical challenge went great, and in the final round HR asked, “What do you like about the company, and what made you apply?” I was honest: I hadn’t dug into their values yet, but I loved the project’s challenges and the team energy. HR wasn’t thrilled and almost rejected me. Luckily, the team lead and technical lead pushed back, convinced HR I was the right fit, and I got the offer.
Back in the Groove
I started in April, and it’s been amazing. The work is challenging and fun, and my teammates actually care. Now I:
- Enjoy the job again.
- Feel valued.
And my hobby keyboard is back on my desk, and those coding sessions are back.
Takeaway
- Burnout happens—it’s a signal to reset.
- Culture matters—find teams that treat you like a person.
- Take the leap—quitting was scary, but it led me here.
If you’re stuck in a draining role, remember: stepping away can help, and the right opportunity is out there to reignite your passion.
Love this. Was there a single moment when you realized your excitement was finally back, or was it a slow build after starting the new job?