Just my opinions, after having a bit of a "been there done that" feeling reading this... If you're looking for work, you aren't really burned out. I had to tak

Just my opinions, after having a bit of a "been there done that" feeling reading this... If you're looking for work, you aren't really burned out. I had to take a year off at one point, and I thought I'd never work as a developer again after failing a couple of job interviews for jobs that I REALLY wanted (google, I'm still bitter). It turns out I'm just fine, there's nothing wrong with me or my skills and I can make a real difference at the place I'm at now. It's just that those particular jobs sucked a lot and I took it all too personally. I resolved to never do that kind of thing again. I don't work for equity or promises or for people who make unreasonable demands any more, and I try not to get too wrapped up in work. It sounds like you got burned, that's a different thing. And it will probably happen again. The same thing happened to me oh... 5 or 6 times until I wised up. Eventually I decided to work at stable, grown up companies and I've been much happier. I still get to work on fun stuff. You don't have to kill yourself over-working or neglect your loved ones to have a solid career. Also, it sounds like you were trying to work two jobs at one point. Don't do that. Anyway, good luck to you and yours, it sounds like you'll do okay!