I left Google in March, where I had worked exclusively on the Android team for 14 years. This was not only the end of that job, but the end of my very long tech career. I've worked all around Silicon Valley, in startups, big companies, small companies, and as a contractor, since 1993. After all that time doing similar things, it was time for a change (I'm now in grad school for comedy screenwriting).
My journey may not apply to you, since everyone is unique and navigates their own career path. But I'll talk about the things that seemed to work for me, plus other random opinions I have on tech, working, careers, companies, and making time for side passions.
Bring your questions. I'll try to shut up and leave time for Q&A.