I think you need to open yourself to exploring the option of starting your own company. Start by looking for a good co-founder on the side: once you find the right person to work with, the idea will be secondary, and this is something you can do job or no job. It'll let you start cracking at what I think is one of the hardest, if not hardest tasks in a startup setting: deciding whether to go it alone, or deciding what team one wants to work with.
Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
11–20 of 68 posts
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#12Product or project management. Microsoft's "program manager" position might appeal to you -- it overlaps these more than other places.
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#13Start learning something new but without loosing touch of programming...so here are your options(without knowing what you already do):
1.) Data science : Learn about data mining, machine learning,computer visions,natural language processing etc etc.
2.) If not above then start diving into computer security. Learn about penetration testing,cryptography,forensic etc.
3.) Become a designer learn: UX,CSS,graphic designing etc.
You can keep your current job going fine and get the daily dose of excitement from any of the above item! This is what I have been doing.
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#14Programming doesn't have to be your passion. gasp
Transition to a less demanding role, if needed, and look for other areas where you can contribute the result of your experience.
For example, if you have passion for *BSD, some linux distribution, or some other community software project you could contribute. You could start by fixing bugs and submitting patches.
OR, skip out on software development completely. Find a way to get more free time and then study a foreign language or learn how to play a musical instrument. Maybe the issue isn't what you are doing but what you aren't?
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#15change to gene programmer ? :]
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#16Open up one of those coding bootcamps like codefellows.org or some hacker school for younger students. A lot of good money in it but you'll also be helping tons of people.
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#17Personally, I found that I get bored/frustrated with work when the job is not aligned with my long-term ambitions. Might be similar for you if you are working for other people, which does not bring you closer to your vision of running your own shop. So might be good to think about where you see yourself in 3, 5, and 10 years (both professionally and with your family) and see if your current direction aligns with that.
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#18I'm about 7-10 years myself, I've gotten pretty bored and unmotivated as well. But what I've learned is: Programming for money and programming for passion are two very different motivators. They don't have to be exclusive, but regularly are. And often it can become over extended.
So, here are somethings you can consider: Try finding work you're passionate about first, that also pays. Maybe work for a non-profit? Try to find a role that lets you expand from where you currently are, perhaps management, business analysis, marketing, design or whatever pet preference you have. The point is not to over extend a single skill. Consider less hours, I've personally found 30 hours a week to be tolerable. Relax that skill more often. Try working on different projects regularly, I work on different projects every 2-6 weeks. The change in pace & direction keeps me excited & interested.
Also consider: building passive income generators, you've been programming for 15 years (why isn't the code working for you?).
All in all, keep changing your angle until you're happier.
Just my two cents.
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#19I would suspect you are probably less bored with programming but probably bored with your job as a whole. It's likely time to move from day-to-day programmer to a management role. If you are as experienced as you seem you should really consider it. It will present a number of new challenges and leading your peers to do great work will likely be a whole new challenge.
Re: Ask HN: I'm bored with programming, what should I do?
#20[deleted]