Ask HN: How to transition away from software engineering

I have had a lot of trouble focusing on work, and I think it has something to do with severe burnout from software engineering. Nothing feels new or fun anymore, I dread working for a company and writing the same four programs every day, and as a result my performance at work is suffering. I would like to transition to something else (ideally research), but doing so would be a substantial pay decrease, at least initially.

I have a mortgage I need to pay and cannot really afford a pay decrease, and I don’t know how to transition careers as a result. This has led to a feeling of being “trapped” in my current role, with no way to escape.

Has anyone here successfully transitioned careers without it destroying their life? Are there any tricks to ease the monetary pain?