[andrew_gs]

Working as a contractor programming is a pretty good way of recovering from burn-out. You get paid by the hour/day, it's a super clear relationship.

As you're not a permanent staff member it's much easier to ignore all politics and decisions you don't agree with as it's not really your business. Turn-up, do the work, check-out and don't think about work after you sign-out.

You can still do good work, share your opinion on how you would approach things, but as a contractor it's much easier to accept things.

I don't work as a contractor anymore, as ultimately I like to have a stake in the place where I work, but I did enjoy my time as a contractor, and I think it can genuinely help with recovery from burn-out.