Longer version: I'm in tech for almost two decades now. My first job ended after long tenure by the end of which I was barely doing anything, so I quit. Next job I was fired along with most of the company due to layoffs. Third company again long tenure, loss of motivation somewhere in the middle. Kept grinding until eventually got mentally sick from the place, so I quit.
Next one, same story, but this time shorter. After about a year, got sick of the place again, so I quit. Took a break, found another job, and now reaching the same mark of becoming mentally sick after about 9 months.
I tried to build something of my own, but my mental energy is below zero by the end of the work day, so I barely have time to focus/write code for my own projects.
I realize now that changing jobs won't help. Its a temporary solution for the first 6-9 months, afterwards I will find myself in the same place. Can't take sabbatical as I have responsibilities to my family. Drastic career change is not an option as I'm past my thirties, and coding is the only thing I can do.
I tried all company sizes from super small startups, to mid sized startups, to big corporate. All kinds of work environments: full time from the office, to hybrid, to fully remote; demanding job with on-call schedules and overtime, all the way to permissive schedule with great work/life balance.
I have a good sleep, and eat good. I train every day. But I just can't see myself staying in tech for another two-three decades till retirement. Suggestions?