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Comment by alex3305 | Hacker News Reader

First of all, thank you.

> Usually, at the point of real "burnout" there is no fix except leaving for a different setting for awhile.

Still being with my employer causes some real pressure. They don't want to help to fix my issues, while still expecting me to come back to work. I need to get out of this situation.

> While I often infer Plumbing is a cleaner trade than the tech sector [...]

The thing is though, I love software development. I have wanted to be a software developer when I was 4. And I'm almost 34 now. But I really hate the politics and drama. I just want to create, be creative and be a team leader. I know I can do that and I'm good at it. But I just have to find the right match.

I didn't know about Ikigai, but I've printed out a copy for on my whiteboard and I love reflection, so thank you.

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> I just want to create, be creative and be a team leader

Being a team leader isn't great if you are vulnerable to stress. I've never led a team but from how I see it their job is generally higher stress. You need to be technically hands on which isn't easy, and on top of that deal with any unexpected issues that arise, and yeah ... manage the people on your team. I honestly don't really know why everyone wants the job. Yeah it looks nice on a resume I guess..anyway I digress. Its the executive levels that perhaps get the good life but than you really leave development.

> Being a team leader isn't great if you are vulnerable to stress.

I think there are differences in being vulnerable to stress. I really perform under pressure. Especially with difficult technical challenges. I'm also the kind of person that can be a locomotive in a team, pulling them forward. I did that in the past and would love to do that again. But I crack when I'm threatened on a personal level. For instance my job security. Or when team members don't want to work in a team anymore, but management still wants them there. Although that's hard on the whole team.

Thanks for the insight though, greatly appreciated. And to be honest, I don't really mind my resume. It's nothing special now either.

Team lead is the definition of being between a rock and and hard place.

Management roles can be very isolating, and have minimal labor protection legally in many places.

For some reason, I kept thinking about the 1989 film "How to Get Ahead in Advertising" while in the role. ;)

> [...] hav[ing] minimal labor protection legally in many places.

Here in the Netherlands that's not the case, luckily. That would break me instantly. But I get where you are coming from.

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