u/scrambledbraiiiiiins

Edit: Thank you, everyone, for your advice and support. I truly appreciate the compassion and care you all have shown 💗

Hello, everyone. I hope the week is off to a great start for you all.

The TL;DR of this post is that I need to get out of technical writing, or at least my current job, due to scorched-earth levels of burnout, and I would appreciate suggestions as to what fields or jobs to look for that are actually hiring. I’m based in the western US.

I’ve been in my current position for more than five years. After a mental breakdown this weekend, I’ve come to the conclusion that I can no longer sustain the burnout I’ve been feeling for two years.

The problem I’m facing is that, despite a burning desire to switch fields entirely, I seem to lack the training and skills, or maybe just confidence, to qualify for other jobs.

When I think of my current job, I become lightheaded, and my body starts to tingle, go numb, and feel weak. I am mentally paralyzed at work. I feel great when I’m not working and have been evaluated for depression.

I want to leave on my terms and without being fired, but I am at a loss as to what type of job or career to look for. I need to get out of this field as soon as possible.

Please feel free to ask questions if more information is needed. Any insights are greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read and respond to this post.