Burnt out at a toxic Job, but a new grad. What should I do next? (CAN - SWE - Data)

Hello everyone, I’ve been reading a lot on this sub and find everyone here gives great advice. So thought I would share.

Background:

For some context I graduated last year with a degree in Software Engineering from a pretty decent but not top school in Canada - I worked two internships, one for 12 months and one for 4 in “technical” roles that aren’t really technical. And never had the opportunity to work in actual software engineering.

Fast forward to now, it took me 10 months post grad to find my current role as a technical consultant at a mid tier consulting/accounting firm working on a “data” team. I get to do more technical stuff but nothing close to software engineering which has been my long time goal.

My situation:

I’ve been working here for 6 months and unfortunately it has been a terrible experience for me. My team is terribly managed with very high expectations, there’s been no training and you get thrown on multiple projects right away. I have been working a constant 60-80 hours a week since I started here and it’s completely destroyed my mental and physical health, and I feel like my life has fallen apart. I don’t have the time or the energy to do anything I enjoy, let alone take care of myself. I’m under constant stress and anxiety about and absolutely dread every day more and more. All my friends and family have been genuinely concerned about my well being, which has lead to me start seeking professional help but that’s a long process as it is. Sadly, this isn’t just me, our team has lost 7 people in the last year and 4 in the span of 5 months from when I started (2 of which didn’t have a job lined up) everyone else left on the junior level is talking about getting out as soon as possible.

I just genuinely feel like I’m at my final straw and I don’t know how much longer I can do this.

My goal has always been to get into the software space, but the market is so brutal. I’ve had barely any time to continue applying for more jobs, and even if I did get some interviews I’d be extremely ill prepared for any technicals right now.

Some ideas of what I’m thinking of doing

I can quit right now, and refocus all my energy on applying to different roles, inclusive of software and other roles I might be more well aligned for. (I have about 5 months worth of expenses to help me through but after that I’m cooked)

I have also been thinking of doing a masters to make me eligible for internships/co-ops next summer since I found some programs that would start in January. However this is obviously not even guaranteed since internships are also extremely competitive.

I absolutely hate the idea of having only 6 months of experience on my resume and then leaving but I just don’t know how much longer I can keep going, and I feel like I can’t make any progress towards my goals with the way this job has affected me and taken up all my time.

Any advice on what direction I should go in?