So entirely soul crushing I left my discipline, secured FTE outside of the industry entirely, and now part part time consult (outside of the US) mixing the two. I absolutely cannot mentally handle working in an office nor deal with corporate culture any longer. Unless it’s French corporate culture, because G*d damn do I love working for/with the French. One example is it’s illegal to eat lunch at your desk, so good luck getting a hold of anyone during the 1-2.5 hour lunch break.

I make less money now, but I’m happier with the outcome so far. American & Japanese corporate cultures are so thoroughly demoralizing.