Yes, many developers have experienced burnout from working with frontend technologies like React and have transitioned to backend development. Here are a few reasons why this happens and what such a transition might involve:
Repetitive Nature and Complexity: Frontend development, particularly when using libraries like React, can sometimes feel repetitive due to constant churn and the need to stay updated with the latest changes, updates, and best practices. Dealing with complex state management, browser compatibility, and responsiveness can also contribute to the sense of burnout.
Desire for New Challenges: Some developers find that after mastering frontend technologies, they crave the new challenges that backend development offers. Working on server-side logic, databases, and architecture can provide a different type of intellectual challenge.
Scope of Work: Backend development often allows developers to focus on broader system-wide issues and infrastructure, offering a different perspective on problem-solving compared to the specific, detail-oriented work typical of frontend development.
Career Growth and Opportunities: The tech industry often sees developers moving between frontend and backend to gain full-stack experience, which can open up more career opportunities and lead to roles with greater responsibility.
Differences in Workflow: Backend development might offer a workflow that some find more comfortable or suited to their working style, with fewer immediate visual feedback loops but potentially deeper architectural design challenges.
Different Stressors: While backend development comes with its own challenges, such as managing scaling issues and data consistency, these may be more aligned with the interests or strengths of developers coming from a frontend background.

Transitioning from frontend to backend requires learning new skills and technologies, such as a server-side language (e.g., Node.js, Python, Java), understanding databases (SQL, NoSQL), and becoming more familiar with server infrastructures and networking. However, many frontend skills are transferrable, such as an understanding of APIs and asynchronous programming, making the transition smoother with the right mindset and resources.