I tried to quit programming twice. Once to become a full-time musician (too hard even if you are very good, not enough money). Another time to work in mental health (the training was too intense). I figured out how to make it work for me long-term and the key was to focus on what my needs are both in a job and outside of a job.

It also has helped tremendously to put significant effort into learning how to communicate effectively (reading books, attending workshops, etc.), focusing significant energy into learning project management and people skills even if I don't want to be a manager, and to only take jobs with folks who I feel really respected and valued by. I also realize that I simply can't work a 40 hour week so now I work a 30 hour week even though it means that I am compensated less. I can use those two extra hours per day to exercise, practice music, meditate, take my time eating breakfast and reading, etc.

To turn this into questions that you can ask yourself:

1. What do you hate most about your job?

2. Are you able to articulate these difficulties and challenges to your supervisor and team and really be heard? If not, what can you do to improve your ability to state your needs?

3. Are you willing to leave a job that doesn't satisfy you and are you confident in your abilities to identify a job that you would like better?

4. Are you willing to sacrifice money for improved happiness?

5. Is there something else that you would rather be doing? How can you integrate that into your life to make your life feel balanced?