Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#1

Post by hnsnsn » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 6:10 AM UTC

Quick background: I started with TI-Basic in high school math class and things snowballed from there. I'm about to graduate and I've worked constantly since I started college. I've either been coding part time during the school year or full time during various internships. I woke up today and realized that the spark that started it all is dead and has been for longer than I can remember now. I'm competent at my job and I don't dislike it, but I feel like I just go on cruise control completely devoid of interest or passion. I also don't really have the energy or excitement to start a personal project.

My question(s): Can anyone relate? Does it matter that I don't feel passionate as long as I don't dislike my job? What steps can I take to reignite the spark that I once felt?

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#2

Post by japhyr » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 6:27 AM UTC

Can you combine your skill in software development with another interest? What other areas interest you?

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#3

Post by bobsadinook » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 6:56 AM UTC

Have you another passion in your heart?

I think you have(like drawing,painting,etc).

I ever felt like this before I'm a painter but suddenly I like philosophy.

And now i hate painting!

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#4

Post by mc_hammer » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 7:21 AM UTC

rigorous exercise did wonders for my passion, so did a sport fishing trip.

learning a new language or starting a new project will probably reignite that spark.

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#5

Post by med00d » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 7:25 AM UTC

I'm in the same boat, although I'm a senior systems engineer. I had considered a move to a dev or devops type of role, but I can't stomach the pay cut to start back at the bottom. I wish I had some advice for you, but I'm really searching for the answer to the problem myself. I've got some personal projects that I'm working on, but between work and my 18-month old son, I don't get much time to do that sort of stuff. When I do have free time, I find myself wanting to spend that time with my family instead of sitting at a computer like I do most of the time already, and that's a pretty rough fight to have with myself.

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#6

Post by trmchale » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 7:57 AM UTC

Build a motorcycle http://www.rycamotors.com

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#7

Post by Im_Talking » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 9:09 AM UTC

Maybe your lack of passion isn't about the job.

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#8

Post by SixSigma » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 9:12 AM UTC

Can relate. Coding from 12-45 y.o. I've burned out a few times. Now I'm at Uni doing a degree in Supply Chain Management. I will end up with a bunch of cross discipline skills and either keep coding or not, who cares.

Do something else. If your passion nags you after a while, all good. If not, time to let go.

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#9

Post by room271 » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 10:02 AM UTC

Some advice I've heard in the past: don't be pushed from existing stuff, but be pulled to new stuff.

I.e. work hard to enjoy your current circumstances and only leave if there is a positive pull - something you really want to do - elsewhere.

Re: Ask HN: What can you do as a software engineer who has lost their passion?

#10

Post by kayman » Sun, Nov 30, 2014, 10:22 AM UTC

Read 'Hackers and Painters'.

Think of yourself as an artist. Your medium is software.

Do you have side projects? Unlike a lot of other professions, software puts you in control. You can build whatever you like.

Regardless of the job, an artist always produces...art. You are lucky to have a job that pays you reasonably well. Well enough to have enough free time to pursue what ever would make you happy. Pursue it now. Even if no one else will see it, get in the habit of producing stuff.

Put it somewhere for display and share it with others.

It's okay to burn out. Relax, take the time to recharge. Accept your cycles of creativity and periods of rest.