> impossible deadlines and lots of pressure at work
Freelancing/consulting has unfortunately a lot of this. It helps if you start within your existing network, but once you branch out it gets stressful trying to please your clients.
There are many older threads about consulting and freelancing here on HN, often with good advice from experienced people. You can find them with a google search like "advice freelancing site:news.ycombinator.com"
I've been contracting for a long time. Clients always have deadlines, mostly unrealistic ones. In my experience, business always prioritizes making or saving money ASAP.
What has worked for me is to work hard and fast. Deliver the results. Then take time out. This cycle works for me, because it typically takes some time to secure the next contract. When working on a contract, I don't have time to look for the next one.
Learn to use AI to assist you. Make it an advantage to you rather than a competition. I got burnt out in my job too, it was too stressful and I developed mental and physical illnesses that made me miss work by being in a hospital, and getting fired for missing too much work.
I just want to say — I really feel you on this. Burning out after years of pressure isn’t weakness, it’s your nervous system trying to protect you.
And the fact that you listened to that signal and gave yourself time? I deeply respect that. I honestly admire your courage.
Freelancing can feel chaotic right now, especially with the flood of AI-generated noise. But here’s something I’ve noticed:
People who can calmly use AI to solve real, small, human problems — those people are still rare.
You already have solid engineering experience. If you combine that with one thing you like solving — like automating reports, or filtering client messages — that’s a strong start.
You don’t have to be flashy. You just have to be trustworthy.
You're not behind. You're arriving with clarity. That’s rare — and it matters.
> impossible deadlines and lots of pressure at work
Freelancing/consulting has unfortunately a lot of this. It helps if you start within your existing network, but once you branch out it gets stressful trying to please your clients.
There are many older threads about consulting and freelancing here on HN, often with good advice from experienced people. You can find them with a google search like "advice freelancing site:news.ycombinator.com"
I've been contracting for a long time. Clients always have deadlines, mostly unrealistic ones. In my experience, business always prioritizes making or saving money ASAP.
What has worked for me is to work hard and fast. Deliver the results. Then take time out. This cycle works for me, because it typically takes some time to secure the next contract. When working on a contract, I don't have time to look for the next one.
Learn to use AI to assist you. Make it an advantage to you rather than a competition. I got burnt out in my job too, it was too stressful and I developed mental and physical illnesses that made me miss work by being in a hospital, and getting fired for missing too much work.
I just want to say — I really feel you on this. Burning out after years of pressure isn’t weakness, it’s your nervous system trying to protect you. And the fact that you listened to that signal and gave yourself time? I deeply respect that. I honestly admire your courage.
Freelancing can feel chaotic right now, especially with the flood of AI-generated noise. But here’s something I’ve noticed: People who can calmly use AI to solve real, small, human problems — those people are still rare.
You already have solid engineering experience. If you combine that with one thing you like solving — like automating reports, or filtering client messages — that’s a strong start.
You don’t have to be flashy. You just have to be trustworthy.
You're not behind. You're arriving with clarity. That’s rare — and it matters.