228 : From Google Burnout to Intentional Big Tech Exit with Jason Amarante

In this episode: Portuguese-American roots, corporate burnout, Wim Hof winter expedition, achievement-to-process shift, and leaving Big Tech intentionally with Jason AmaranteEpisode SummaryAfter 4,900+ days at Google/YouTube, Jason Amarante hit burnout and used it as the catalyst for an intentional Big Tech exit. Through meditation, eastern philosophy, and a Wim Hof winter expedition, he shifted from achievement chasing to presence. He later built a wellbeing program reaching 700 YouTube Ops employees, then left in April 2025 to pursue DJing, health coaching, and youth development.Guest BioJason Amarante is a 15-year Google/YouTube veteran, certified health & wellness coach, and DJ entrepreneur. A first-generation Portuguese-American, he left Big Tech in April 2025 to pursue coaching, music, and community-centered youth development.Resources & Books MentionedWim Hof MethodSam Kabert's Breath ClubDie With Zero by Bill PerkinsWisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder by Chip Conley - AmazonModern Elder AcademyGuest Contact InformationLinkedIn: Jason AmaranteEmail: [email protected] TakeawaysJason's 2021 ER visits became the doorway to deeper self-awareness - burnout as initiation, not failure.Wim Hof's mantra "pain is inevitable, suffering is optional" directly prepared Jason for the grief of leaving Google after 15 years.He replaced achievement checklists with one daily question: "Was I present today?" - making work feel effortless and earning new trust from his team.Years of growing his DJ business, earning a health coaching certification, and building financial clarity enabled a truly intentional exit from Big Tech.Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching ProgramYou did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat🔥 WHO I’m creating this forThis is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).Turn yo...