I could really use some perspective.
About a year ago, I was actively trying to switch jobs for better compensation and growth. I’m currently an Engineering Manager / Tech Lead working mostly on backend systems in payments, risk, fraud, and billing.
After multiple rejections (some early-stage, some after interviews), I gradually lost momentum and eventually stopped preparing altogether. Now I feel stuck — I want to try again, but I don’t have the same motivation or confidence anymore.
I’m trying to figure out:
How do you restart after a long pause and repeated failures?
How do you stay consistent with prep when results aren’t immediate?
Has anyone here taken a break and then successfully bounced back?
Is it better to double down on my niche (payments/risk) or broaden into general backend/platform roles?
I’m not looking for generic “keep trying” advice — more interested in real experiences, what actually worked, and what you changed after hitting a wall.
Appreciate any honest input.