Comment by explodes

I am currently a few months through a planned and budgeted break from my career to focus on traveling specifically for treating burnout. As such, I've had a similar experience to yours so far. I've been travelling and volunteering around the world, I'm also back to coding as a hobby again, and also working on other projects like robots, rc planes, and welding. Also exercising. I'm just living the life I actually want. And so fortunate to be able to live it with my partner.

This break, like for you, has been one of the most rewarding things ever in my entire life. On the days I really get to experience the spice life one way or another, I feel as much if not more accomplished than I ever did even shipping the largest projects.

I also try to remind myself every day to be grateful for the opportunity to pause my career as it is such a gift. I believe gratitude is critical for staying grounded as the person I want to be.

But it is also countered by the soul crushing job hunt. I haven't been fully focused on finding a job yet, but I have applied to many interesting opportunities already and not getting responses from these companies, despite me believing I have a somewhat strong resume, puts a pit in my stomach for the reasons you stated so well: questioning my own competence, and worrying about the future.

That said, the positives have been so huge, though, that I have to at least try to recommend a break like this to people who feel burnout, especially if they are burnt out yet again.

I would urge anyone to always be evaluating what is really important in your life and work towards that as an alternative to working to the bone for promotion and bonuses because we think we should. I wish we all could take the breaks our brains deserve, yet we have to do what we have to do. As one final thought, I will say that soon after quitting my job for this adventure, I was already feeling refreshed and better, and to anyone reading this, your life is worth more than money.