u/pipinghot_chocolat

Mentally, it was tough to separate work when I logged off. I quit my tech job last year bc of burn out and I wanted to start pursuing a lifelong passion. I had savings that I am living on right now.

I am now ready mentally to get back into the workplace but do not want to give up my dream of writing which I want to dedicate at least an average of 2 hours daily on.

I am being very picky about culture and expected WLB when I am interviewing right now.

I am final round at a company that is paying $165k. My prior comp was $220k. I am hoping that will help. The men I chatted with seemed very engaged w their kids so I am taking that as a good sign to counteract that they keep saying they're a "small but growing team that needs to win."

Please get detailed if you can about how you juggle your side gig/passion and do not let your full time job creep into stealing your mind and soul.

I quit my tech job last year bc of burn out and I wanted to start pursuing a lifelong passion. I had savings that I am living on right now.

I am now ready mentally to get back into the workplace but do not want to give up my dream of writing which I want to dedicate at least an average of 2 hours daily on.

I am being very picky about culture and expected WLB when I am interviewing right now.

Please get detailed if you can about how you juggle both and do not let your full time job creep into stealing your mind and soul.

Received job offer of $165K. Was previously in tech with total comp of $220K (base of $130K and RSUs of 70-90K in any year) but quit early 2025 bc I was burnt out and hit coast fire.

• Married - HHI of $220K
• Investments of $640K (including 401K of $280K)
• Own home in HCOL with $390K mortgage
• Want to start family this year - 2 kids eventually

I'm worried about the time I'll be trading and stress that I left when I coast fired last year. I took a break and now think I might be able to decenter work. I just don't want to quit this job after a six months, which I've done before.

This job offer is at a much smaller company, and I am hoping it will be less work than my FAANG job. However, you'll never really know until you do it. Manager seems ok, not super bright but nice.

I welcome any thoughts/opinions/questions that might help me think through my decision.