I have worked as a software engineer for 2-3 years at a big tech company known for burning out its employees. I posted on “FIRE” last year about how I don’t like it and want to start a small business.

I still haven’t done it. I’m a high performer at work and have been rewarded for it, but this has gotten tied up in my identity. I can’t “try less”.

I’m also having trouble with the risk. If I burned through all my savings, I could last just under two years. I don’t really want to do that.

Has anyone taken a new, lower-paying job, gambling that it will be less demanding, and using that extra energy to start your business? Is this a thing, or am I just making excuses?