
Need advice, suggestions,motivation
Here goes my story. I have 17 YOE in TCS . Mostly worked as a Manual Tester. Salary is way low. Now into the managerial , Client facing role. Not a good coder. You may ask why I didn't switch. Well location constraint, family dependency are to name a few. I was Ok with the hike we were getting till precovid being a good performer. Work was ok.Had WLB. So I didn't plan to switch . But things have turned down since the last 3 years. Single digit or zero hike, deduction in Variable pay. On top, the env. of the project has became so toxic. Will not get release as am a key resource. Now I have started feeling low, demotivated, stressed , burned out. It is getting difficult to spend each day .
Started looking for a job outside seriously.But no luck due to skillsets and NP .
Has anyone here been through such a situation? What motivated you? How you pulled yourself up. Career suggestions? Next move??
Genuine suggestions please.

Don't think that you are a key resource. Once they decide to send you out, they will do. Everyone is easily replaceable including the CEO.
Always try to come out of your comfort zone.
Regarding manual testing, if you are good experience as Test manager, there are plenty of openings in the market. Just you can try to get the required automation skills and show that you lead an automation project, that's enough to move.

Try for onsite opportunity for better compensation and also Upskills.Target new tech like GenAi n all

Which location are u currently looking for job?

Try automation testing...seetest..selenium... playwright etc..

You have been a manual QA as I understand. See if you can get opportunities to learn Automation QA. That would make your resume more powerful. Also if you do any QA certifications, that would help in the long run.

I know . But where is the opportunity??

Change skillset , no other option ..