A life changing (and semi brain-altering) event happened to me around 2-3 years ago. The gist of my current situation is that i'm trying to fix my mind and body while also trying to catch up professionally. I've been in the software industry as a programmer since 2014, though I don't have a CS degree. In terms of my skills/resume, to a company's eyes, I have an in-demand technical skillset ("Web UI") though I feel like i've been stagnant for the last 3 years due to being demotivated about my physical and mental state during this time. I did not work on very successful projects at work (unsuccessful due to business, not developers), and also did not work on any side projects. I do not have any public examples of work.
I second guess myself in technical interviews to an embarrassing level. My current position has me as senior level, but I just don't feel "senior". I would say my actual experience level is that more of a mid-level, with how my skills have degraded over the last few years.
I'd like to return to a product company rather than continuing being a contractor.
Has anyone felt like they needed to take a lower salary role for less stress?
Reading over how disjointed my thoughts are just really set in how much work I still need to do. I would honestly really appreciate any and all advice I receive on anything i've mentioned in this post.
I managed to take time off and after a few months recovery found myself working on personal projects, just following that which I found interesting. This is critical, and has become an essential part of my working process. I have repeated this cycle over the years, and it helps immensely. Our industry moves quickly. Or, at least, I prefer working in the parts that do. Following one's interests makes keeping up fun.
I'm also extremely careful about the paid gigs that I take on. A toxic environment can crush the soul, and I do not take gigs that have red flags. A culture of empathy, no-blame, generosity and respect is a bare minimum.
As for less salary... ironically, stress does not correlate to salary, in my experience. In fact, I suspect there is a negative correlation: not only does a lower-paid job have inherent stress, but you also have to deal with the stress of low pay. One answer might be dropping down to part time - which would be less salary overall, but not a demotion, so to speak.