Quitting job forever?

May 19, 2020 58 Comments

I’m not a good engineer, and job stresses me out so much that it’s affecting my mental health. I feel like the job is eating me away, but I’m too scared to walk away from money.

I have about 810k saved up across investment+401k+cash. Is this enough of a nest egg to try something new? Should I look for a new job instead?

Age: 26
TC:330k
YOE: 4.5

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TOP 58 Comments
  • Atlassian / Data
    es14

    Go to company page Atlassian Data

    es14
    It’s plenty saved up to take a break for 3-6 months imo.

    You’re 26 years old with $800k saved up. Take care of yourself.

    Worse comes to worst, you can find another engineering job 6 months later if you need to an income.

    I recommend taking a bit of time off and unwind, like 3-6 months. After/during that you can do a few things:

    1) explore new careers - see if anything seems interesting
    2) try working at a company that is much less stressful even if it means a tc cut. Plenty of companies out there known for great wlb (atlassian, salesforce, msft, G, square, etc)
    3) work for a company whose product you are more passionate about

    Don’t think you’re a bad SWE if you work at snap.
    May 19, 2020 2
  • Amazon
    gYLH88

    Go to company page Amazon

    gYLH88
    Mind me asking how you saved that much up with 330k comp?
    May 19, 2020 6
  • Amazon
    aKPj66

    Go to company page Amazon

    aKPj66
    Why. Don’t you move to another company that is a lot more relaxing. If you move away from big tech life is actually a lot more chill in my opinion
    May 19, 2020 5
    • Just be aware, smaller companies you will work with a few idiots. That's just how it goes. Finance could be cool but you'll end up working for assholes. So whatever you prefer I guess
      May 20, 2020
    • Lyft
      KNSI43

      Go to company page Lyft

      KNSI43
      Startups are usually different stress not no stress. Big non-FAAN probably would be more relaxed
      May 20, 2020
  • Google
    several

    Go to company page Google

    several
    At 26, you don't have enough saved up to last you forever. At 4% SWR you have the equivalent of $32K/year for the rest your life.

    If you are burnt out (and it sounds like you are), take a break for 6 months (ask for a sabbatical and if they say no, quit).

    After 6 months, figure out what to do next - switch careers, find another job, go back to grad school etc.
    May 19, 2020 3
  • Amazon / Eng
    UFci58

    Go to company page Amazon Eng

    UFci58
    You need 5 million to retire. Until then keep grinding on the hamster wheel.
    May 19, 2020 3