Let's take away the usual recommendations/hacks of 1) network effects, 2) referrals, 3) recruiters, 4) side project/hustle, 5) break/sabbatical.
Think Derek Sivers: When deciding whether to do something, if you feel anything less than “Wow! That would be amazing! Absolutely! Hell yeah!” — then say no. > https://sive.rs/hellyeah
I took a massive pay cut and I still feel exceptionally lucky. The new job being fully remote doesn't hurt.
Me: ok how much are they paying
Recruter: keep BSing. Or reveals a salary that is laughable compared to what people throw in at HN.
Me: disillusioned. I guess should be happy to have my current job. Happy not have spent my time with uncomfortable phonecalls.