Ever hit that point where everything you’ve been faking suddenly stops working? Yeah, me too. What came next? Let’s just say it involved some unexpected career detours, a lot of self-reflection, and maybe a meltdown or two.

In this talk, I’ll share a story that’s part comedy, part cautionary tale—what happens when you realize the path you’ve been on might not be the one you actually care about. If you’re in tech, feeling stuck, or wondering why your career doesn’t feel as fulfilling as it should, you’re not alone.

Let’s explore the fine line between ambition and burnout, and how sometimes the best thing you can do is just stop pretending.