Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#1

Post by _hv99 » Wed, May 23, 2018, 4:15 PM UTC

My work is unfulfilling. React stuff, redux stuff, apollo stuff, shiny new css grids specs stuff, etc

Might be I can imagine if I were working at Tesla on some engineering challenging stuff changing the world for the better.

I am not. It is the same whether I exists or don't.

Note: I do not want to kill my self. It is about the meaning of work at all. The point of it. Why it exists at all.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#2

Post by jeffmould » Wed, May 23, 2018, 4:22 PM UTC

Went through a similar phase about 15 years ago. Was burned out from IT. It was a struggle to get up to go to work everyday and I dreaded my job even though it was a great job. I finally built up enough to quit, move to another state, and find a job completely unrelated to IT. I loved it. I had a renewed energy and after about 2-3 years I started easing myself back in doing small consulting roles. After about 8 years I was ready to make the jump back. Haven't looked back since.

One note, during the entire time I was sure to keep up on emerging technologies, even if at just a high level. Made my jump back a little easier, however, I still had a slight learning curve.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#3

Post by mnort » Wed, May 23, 2018, 4:32 PM UTC

I sympathize

Listen to some Alan Watts lectures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0FUsy5pqa4

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#4

Post by yasp » Wed, May 23, 2018, 4:36 PM UTC

> It is about the meaning of work at all. The point of it. Why it exists at all.

Because someone finds value in the work you do.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#5

Post by imd23 » Wed, May 23, 2018, 4:44 PM UTC

mnort wrote: post #3

I sympathize Listen to some Alan Watts lectures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0FUsy5pqa4

I have been listening to him for years. Thanks for reminding him :) <3

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#6

Post by imd23 » Wed, May 23, 2018, 4:46 PM UTC

jeffmould wrote: post #2

Went through a similar phase about 15 years ago. Was burned out from IT. It was a struggle to get up to go to work everyday and I dreaded my job even though it was a great job. I finally built up enough to quit, move to another state, and find a job completely unrelated to IT. I loved it. I had a renewed energy and after about 2-3 years I started easing myself back in doing small consulting roles. After about 8 years…

Thank you. Yeah, I am quite burned out.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#7

Post by imd23 » Wed, May 23, 2018, 5:15 PM UTC

yasp wrote: post #4

> It is about the meaning of work at all. The point of it. Why it exists at all. Because someone finds value in the work you do.

but I don't find it valuable for myself. At all. I feel completely empty.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#8

Post by NicoJuicy » Wed, May 23, 2018, 6:16 PM UTC

I was almost burned up, not with it but with stress, changed jobs since 3 weeks.

First I need a moment to myselve to refresh, but I think I dodged a bullet

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#9

Post by mapster » Wed, May 23, 2018, 6:39 PM UTC

Have you considered working IT/developer for a hospital or NGO or important govt agency? You might find fulfillment there as your work supports a good mission and outcome vs just another widget.

Re: Ask HN: I don't want to work anymore

#10

Post by forgottenpass » Wed, May 23, 2018, 6:52 PM UTC

Oh, you hate your job? There's a support group for that. It's called everybody and they meet at the bar.

Most work is unfulfilling. You're in a unique position just to have the possibility that it might not be. You can find jobs that are rewarding, but as a rule of thumb the worst place to look for them is in places that advertise themselves as important and rewarding (and be conned for a second that this doesn't include Musk's companies).

It's more attainable to find reward in the rest of your life, and set your sights on finding a job that doesn't pull on your soul in a way that negatively impacts your private life.