I have been feeling burned out for last 5 years or so. I keep working because I have responsibilities, wife, parents, kids, mortgage etc.
If I didn't had responsibilities, I would have quit my job, spend a few months relaxing/traveling/reading, and find something more meaningful. I fantasize about this a lot.
Unfortunately, I have to keep working. A few things that help me are:
1. I started to side-hustle as Realtor. This helps by making me feel like that I can quit software dev whenever I want to. The feeling of having choice helps make shitty situation less bad. Also since it is so different from programming, that I feel refreshed doing real estate stuff on weekends.
2. I spend a lot of time to figure out my passion/purpose. Your passion may not earn you a living but once you know your passion, you may enjoy your work because it lets you pursue your passion/purpose. Someone will say that my kids should be my purpose. I spend a lot of time with them and enjoy it but it still doesn't feel fulfilled. You should set an example for your kids that it is okay to pursue your happiness as long as you are meeting your responsibilities.
3. Reading too many books on this topic. They have helped me feel calm and I feel whatever happens, I will figure out my passion/purpose and get/make a job that makes me feel happy.
If I didn't had responsibilities, I would have quit my job, spend a few months relaxing/traveling/reading, and find something more meaningful. I fantasize about this a lot.
Unfortunately, I have to keep working. A few things that help me are:
1. I started to side-hustle as Realtor. This helps by making me feel like that I can quit software dev whenever I want to. The feeling of having choice helps make shitty situation less bad. Also since it is so different from programming, that I feel refreshed doing real estate stuff on weekends.
2. I spend a lot of time to figure out my passion/purpose. Your passion may not earn you a living but once you know your passion, you may enjoy your work because it lets you pursue your passion/purpose. Someone will say that my kids should be my purpose. I spend a lot of time with them and enjoy it but it still doesn't feel fulfilled. You should set an example for your kids that it is okay to pursue your happiness as long as you are meeting your responsibilities.
3. Reading too many books on this topic. They have helped me feel calm and I feel whatever happens, I will figure out my passion/purpose and get/make a job that makes me feel happy.