I'm the opposite right now. I had a startup then joined FAANG. Spent the last 8yr in product at Google + Coinbase, and now I have the startup itch more than ever before. Maybe the grass is always greener.
What is it about your current route that is leaving you unhappy?
For me it's less about "find a hobby/enjoy life" or more that we're likely in this field because we want to feel necessary and useful.
I WFH with amazing TC and WLB. I do my hobbies all day and then work just a few hours. But I feel like an absolute piece of shit just coasting at work. Doesn't matter how well my hobbies are going, I'll always have the quiet stress of not contributing what I'm capable of doing. The times I feel good about myself are when I actually ship something cool with my team.
Some added context since I'm throwaway:
I've been at Google for the past 4yrs. I'm fortunate that I can join any other company I'd like. I have offers at FAANG, mid level startups, and early startups.
I founded a startup before Google, so I know what it takes. I just don't really know how to go from 0 to 1 right now. My mind is also muddled with taking time off and thinking of an idea, or if I should just take time off and come back to a new team at Google, or join a different company. But, I also feel like I'm capable of building my own future with a startup.