I Quit my Software Engineering Job at 28

Summary

In this deeply personal video, the speaker shares their decision to leave their job at Amazon after five years in the tech industry. Reflecting on burnout, dissatisfaction, and a desire for personal fulfillment, they discuss the emotional and mental toll of corporate life. At 28, they realize that pursuing their dreams and taking risks now is crucial. The speaker emphasizes the value of change, growth, and self-exploration, hinting at new ventures beyond big tech. They express excitement and gratitude, inviting viewers to follow their journey through social media and other content platforms.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has decided to quit their job at Amazon after 5 years of working there, marking a significant career change.
• 😀 The decision to leave was not impulsive or a result of rage quitting; it was a well-thought-out process that took months.
• 😀 The speaker experienced cycles of burnout, work anxiety, and mental health struggles, which played a major role in their decision to leave.
• 😀 After taking a mental health leave in early 2025, they realized their lack of career progression and dissatisfaction with Amazon.
• 😀 The speaker felt mentally trapped and misaligned with Amazon's work culture, describing it as feeling like a bird stuck in a cage.
• 😀 Growing up in an immigrant household, there were societal and family pressures to pursue a high-paying career in tech, but the speaker realized they were following a path based on 'shoulds' rather than personal desires.
• 😀 The speaker is now focused on building a life for themselves, pursuing their true passions, and taking risks while still in their 20s, when the stakes are lower.
• 😀 Despite having achieved their dream of working in big tech, the speaker recognized their evolving values and the need for change.
• 😀 They lost interest in job hunting for another corporate position, as they realized that staying in big tech wouldn’t provide them with the fulfillment they sought.
• 😀 The speaker learned the value of the 'two-way door decision' at Amazon, meaning they can always return to big tech later, but they might not have the same opportunity to take risks and pursue personal dreams again.
• 😀 Their YouTube channel, which started as a way to showcase the life of a tech worker, will continue to be a space for sharing their new journey outside of big tech, with new types of content.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to quit their job at Amazon?

The speaker decided to quit after reflecting on their time at Amazon and realizing that they were no longer aligned with the company's culture. They were also feeling increasingly unhappy, mentally drained, and stuck in a corporate mold that didn't fit their personal aspirations.

How long had the speaker been working at Amazon?

The speaker had been working at Amazon for five years.

Did the speaker make the decision to leave impulsively?

No, the decision was carefully thought out over several months. The speaker even wrote down reasons for quitting in a notebook to justify the decision to themselves.

What personal reflection influenced the speaker's decision to leave Amazon?

The speaker realized that for most of their 20s, they had been following a prescribed path that they felt they 'should' follow, rather than pursuing what they truly wanted. As they neared 28, they felt it was time to take risks and build a life aligned with their personal dreams.

How did the speaker describe their experience working at Amazon?

The speaker described their experience at Amazon as fulfilling but also challenging, with moments of burnout and mental health struggles. They found that the company culture no longer aligned with their values and desires for the future.

What is the significance of the 'two-way door decision' concept mentioned in the video?

The 'two-way door decision' refers to the idea that leaving Amazon and stepping away from big tech is not a permanent choice. The speaker views it as a reversible decision, meaning they can always return to tech in the future if they choose to.

What is the speaker's main motivation for leaving their corporate job?

The speaker's main motivation for leaving their corporate job is to pursue something more personally fulfilling and aligned with their dreams. They felt that they had spent too much of their life doing what they thought they 'should' do, rather than what they truly wanted.

How did the speaker describe their mental state leading up to their decision?

The speaker felt mentally drained, unhappy, and like they were stuck in a cage, which led them to reflect deeply on their situation. They acknowledged that it was a difficult and emotional decision, but ultimately felt it was necessary for their personal growth.

What does the speaker plan to focus on after leaving Amazon?

The speaker plans to focus on building their 'dream life,' creating more content, and pursuing personal projects. They also plan to explore new avenues like starting a Substack to document their thoughts.

How does the speaker feel about the future after leaving big tech?

The speaker feels a mix of excitement and anxiety but leans more toward excitement. They are eager to explore new opportunities and see where their journey takes them, especially since they view this transition as a growth period.