I do this (mid-level when arguably capable of senior) but in the public sector. This enables me to deal with some challenging caring responsibilities and also h

I do this (mid-level when arguably capable of senior) but in the public sector. This enables me to deal with some challenging caring responsibilities and also have some time for hobbies and family in general. And get to do a 4-day week, which is maybe harder as a senior. Sure it means we have less £, but time is more important than £, and in tech we have the luxury of being able to do this and still get by (with frugal habits). IMHO people should ask themselves why they want to be a senior. Sure you get more money and status if that floats your boat, but you also get more responsibility which could mean stress. If being more senior grants you more autonomy, that could be worth it. Where I work its equal whether you're senior or not, in fact as a mid-level you get more time to code and less meetings. As a way to fight burnout, sounds potentially good, but depends on your employer. If they have a full-on performance mgt system, well, its easier to make the grade for a mid-level than a senior, so that's less stress immediately. BTW this is not a "vacation" to me. Maybe best to think of it as a "sensible life strategy defending against burnout". ;)