Ask HN: Better places to work for burntout SWE?

[conqrr]

I've tried my share of startups and megacorps, FAANGs. I am in a stage where I cringe on hearing a mission is so important that it needs a 996 culture. I also hate work getting stolen in the name of collaboration and politics in general thats daily business in Megacorps. I just want to bang out code, mentor juniors and deliver value in a small team that doesn't have an unhealthy obsession with growth or overworking. Maybe with rich founders who don't want to get more rich.

Where can I find good places to work, especially in the US that offer: 1. Remote first setting 2. Mission oriented like Privacy, non-profit background etc (or Open Source with proven history) 3. Holocracy/Flat structure

I think the above 3 criteria will really narrow down places that prioritize mission over growth/profits and automatically not pay a lot yet have a higher technical bar that deters a lot of folks who would end up optimizing for things that lead to a mess. Am I looking for a Unicorn?

[gnatman]

It’s ok to search for a unicorn! Writing out a list of criteria for your ideal role, and seeking out companies that meet your criteria, actually gives you an advantage. When I interviewed at my current position I had just such a list, and sharing how much I cared about working for a company like that made me (they said later) an obvious choice over others they’d met with in spite of my qualifications falling short in some areas. Even if it takes some time, it will be worth the effort.

[conqrr]

Thanks, were you ready to take a paycut for better criteria? If yes, how did it work out and how do you deal with the FOMO?

[christophilus]

If you can find a small company that is in maintenance mode, or that wants to build something new with you as the sole technician, those can be very low-key, restful workplaces. I’ve been contracting at such a place for 5 years now. My contract is being reduced to part time in Feb 2026, though, so I’ll be looking for a supplemental contract, or else I’ll be spinning up a new business.

[conqrr]

Seems like a useful criteria. I do enjoy a lot of slow migration work too as long the older systems arent too obscure. How did you go about finding such a company?

[tartoran]

Try City/Government IT. It may not be fun but you'll have some more predictability/stability but prepare for a paycut.

[reliefcrew]

In the entire history of the world, no one with a choice ever bought anything from the government because they thought the government's offering was superior to that available on the free market.

Please, if you know of an example feel free to provide it. In fact, the government does not actually produce anything at all... not a single product or service. People only buy things from the government when they are coerced.

Even the very best governments out source everything and just keep graft to a minimum. So, working for the government is basically admitting you're unable to compete and need a handout. I'd consider changing careers before a move into the public sector. If you're burning out, just take a break and learn to pace yourself better.