Ask HN: Burned out from tech, what else is there?

I’ve hit a point after working as a dev in SV for about 10 years where I just don’t feel interested in the space anymore. It’s almost impossible for me to motivate myself to care about whatever it is I’m doing at work, and I’m just irritated by people around me at work. I’ve switched companies a few times thinking that it was just environment, what the company was working on didn’t interest me, etc but always feel this same sense of dread after while at any place I go to which has made me think it’s time to move on to something else.

Has anyone transitioned out of being purely an engineer to something else and found more happiness? I’m ok with moving out of this area and not making as much money

I'm in a similar situation, thinking about a paycut or sabbattical just to do something different.

I think it's key to think about what makes you happy and interested in your work, and then find a way to map from your current position to a new position where you can do more of that.

If you're ever unsure or worried about making a move, remember that life is fluid, things change, doors open and close all the time. Taking a step forward into the unknown will light the path to the next step, but taking that first step requires accepting some uncertainty and trusting it will work out anyway.

When I reached this point, I left to start my own company. Build something that would actually be mine.

Though obviously that's easier said than done.

For a few years I switched to supporting medical research, which made me feel good. The tech BS sadly penetrated there after a few years too which ended that for me.