I recently took a break from my role as a software engineer at a fintech company due to severe stress and burnout. My GP advised me to step back for my mental health, so I traveled and reflected on my career. I realized that my true interests lie in business and analytics rather than software engineering. I have experience as a business analyst and junior project manager, which I enjoyed much more than my SWE role. My background includes a BSc in Business and IT, a postgraduate in Data Analytics, and CFA Level I. During my time as an SWE, I faced a lot of pressure from a difficult project manager, which contributed to my burnout. I had hoped to transition into a business-facing role after my graduate program, but internal promises were never fulfilled, and I felt stuck. Now, I'm looking to pivot back into a role that aligns with my interests, but I'm concerned about the 9-month gap on my CV and how to position my SWE experience for business-facing roles. I'm seeking advice from others who have made similar transitions. How did you frame your SWE experience? What roles should I consider, and how do I explain my career break without it being viewed negatively?