A former Apple engineering manager has revealed she left the tech giant last October, choosing an extended career break over a high-paying role that left her feeling burned out and unfulfilled. Meredith Meyer, 30, who worked at Apple's offices in the Bay Area, detailed how a combination of a demanding promotion, a lengthened commute, and a lack of workplace connection led to her departure after just over four years.
Meyer started as a software engineer in 2020 but was promoted to an engineering manager in March 2022, a rapid rise she attributes to her dedicated performance during the early pandemic's remote work period. However, the new role came with overseeing a team while she continued much of her previous individual work, creating an unsustainable workload.
The Breaking Point: Commute and Culture
In September 2022, Apple mandated a return to the office for three days a week. This policy became a significant burden for Meyer when, in 2024, she had to move to a new rental home, extending her one-way commute to approximately an hour. "I'd demonstrated for over two years that I could work from home effectively," she stated, noting the frustration of commuting on days with no meetings or clear office need.
The return was compounded by having started her job just weeks before the pandemic lockdowns began. "I hadn't gotten to develop relationships with my coworkers as much as I could've," Meyer explained, highlighting a missing support system and sense of belonging that affected her mental health.
Prioritising Life Beyond Work
Meyer, who has always been financially conservative, planned for at least a six-month break to focus on personal wellbeing. She has used the time to travel, ski, visit friends, and pursue hobbies with a renewed enjoyment she felt was absent while working. "I want to get to a place where I'm excited to work again," she said, indicating she is now open to hybrid roles but values flexibility.
Reflecting on her experience, Meyer advises others that careers are long and advocates for a sustainable pace over relentless pursuit of promotion. "What's really important, at least for me, is life outside work," she concluded.