🔧 burnt-out, seeking overseas opportunities

Hey Community,

I’m a 24-year-old senior software engineer(SDE II if that's more in your context), and I’m really struggling right now. I’ve been working in China at Alibaba for a while, but the stress and work culture here are really taking a toll on me. Long hours, a 996 schedule (for those who don’t know, that’s 9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week), and constant pressure have left me mentally drained. I’ve even been diagnosed with mid-level depression and have been taking Agomelatine - have a doctor’s note to prove it, but my boss doesn’t seem to care. There’s always more work to be done, and the expectations just keep growing.

I’ve been through a lot in my career. I graduated from a top-10 ranked uni back in the UK with a first-class degree in Engineering (and also straight-As back in high school as well). I’ve worked at Amazon UK, and now Alibaba, with a strong track record of delivering high-end software and leading projects. I also mentor interns, so I’ve got leadership experience too. English is no problem for me—I’ve lived and worked in Amazon London for a bit, so I’m comfortable with both the language and Western work culture.

But despite my dedication and drive, I’m burning out. I literally worked through the night to meet a deadline, and when I woke up at 3 AM thinking it was morning, I realized how messed up my life has become. I haven’t had time for anything—no sports, no gym, no personal life. It’s hard to even think straight when your life revolves around work 24/7.

I’m at a point where I just can’t keep going like this. I really need to find a job that allows me to work smarter, not harder. I’ve been actively looking for overseas opportunities, but LinkedIn just isn’t cutting it. I know my skills are strong, and I’m confident I can deliver in a high-pressure environment, but right now, I need a job where work-life balance is actually a thing.

If anyone has leads or recommendations for international positions (preferably in Europe or the UK where I graduated from), I’d be super grateful. I’m open to any opportunities, but please, I just need a break from this toxic grind. I’m ready to contribute, lead, and deliver, but I also need my life back.

Thanks for reading. Any help would mean the world to me.

YOE: 3-ish.