The rest of this comment is not aimed at you specifically because it doesn't apply to your situation (being laid off), so when I say "you" I mean in the generic sense:
---
When leaving voluntarily, if you realize it was a grave mistake, don't let your ego prevent you from getting back in touch with your previous employer and asking if there's any chance to work for them again, assuming you're prepared to stay with them for an even longer time (this is the important part). The first time you make a mistake like this, it's likely due to lack of experience, you didn't realize how good you had it, or you didn't know it could get this bad, and you learned the hard way.
If it happens a second time tho, that's on you.
Also, remember that taking unpaid leave for a few months might be an option depending where you live. Maybe your thoughts of leaving are just because of burnout and all you need is to take a longer break.
But yeah, first priority is getting a job that lets you stop running through your savings. After you have that and can stop worrying about bills, you can walk your way up again from there with a clear mind.
honestly, that’s terrible advice. Anyone working at a big tech (or even not that big) for a few years should be able to save enough money to get some freedom to change jobs, even in a bad market. Being jobless might be soul crushing if you don’t prepare yourself but staying in a place where you get burnt out is a lot, lot worse, having been in both situations.
For me the best advice is to not think you are rich just because you are making >150-200k/year. Save money and live frugally
There are 2.8 - 4 million developers in the US. How many do you think are working at BigTech?
No matter how much money you save, it’s senseless to go through the money unnecessary. Jobs in 2025 don’t just fall out of the sky. Burn out is a choice. Do your work, go home. Start interviewing.
It's good advice for young people. I remember not getting my contract renewed during the dot bomb/911 and it was a soul crushing 6 months. I had to move to another city for work and took a 40% pay cut. Now that I'm pretty comfortable in my finances, it's important to take a sabbatical when you need it. Right now I'm so burned out I don't like programming, even on personal projects, so that can be pretty detrimental to my career. I decided to take a sabbatical. I gave 5.5 months notice as to not put anyone out, but I'm going to try to enjoy it. Tech is generally soul crushing these days, so pick your poison.
Also important.
The rest of this comment is not aimed at you specifically because it doesn't apply to your situation (being laid off), so when I say "you" I mean in the generic sense:
---
When leaving voluntarily, if you realize it was a grave mistake, don't let your ego prevent you from getting back in touch with your previous employer and asking if there's any chance to work for them again, assuming you're prepared to stay with them for an even longer time (this is the important part). The first time you make a mistake like this, it's likely due to lack of experience, you didn't realize how good you had it, or you didn't know it could get this bad, and you learned the hard way.
If it happens a second time tho, that's on you.
Also, remember that taking unpaid leave for a few months might be an option depending where you live. Maybe your thoughts of leaving are just because of burnout and all you need is to take a longer break.
But yeah, first priority is getting a job that lets you stop running through your savings. After you have that and can stop worrying about bills, you can walk your way up again from there with a clear mind.