Seriously considering a career break due to burnout
Hey everyone,
I’m currently working as a Manager in a BI/Data reporting role and feeling completely burned out. My current project has become extremely stressful — constant escalations, weekend work, and nonstop pressure to handle support issues. It’s starting to affect my health and mental well-being.
What makes it confusing is that my previous project went really well, so I know this isn’t about capability. This specific project/environment just feels unsustainable.
I have around 7 years of experience in Power BI, SQL, DAX, Power Platform, Databricks, and enterprise reporting. Over time I moved into management, but now I feel like I’d rather move back into a hands-on IC role instead of constant firefighting.
Financially I can afford a short career break since I don’t have EMIs or kids depending on me, but I’m still worried because the market feels rough right now.
Has anyone here taken a career break because of burnout? Did it help, and how hard was it to get back into the market afterward?
TL;DR: Burned out from constant escalations/weekend work in a BI Manager role, considering quitting and taking a short career break to move back into a hands-on IC role.
(Used ChatGPT to help rephrase this because my brain is exhausted right now.)