Something that's helped me is to think long term. Think about where you'd like to be in 5, 10, 20, 40 years. Is your current life trajectory working towards it? If not what would you like it to look like instead? For example, if you'd like to work for yourself one day and own a business, you can work on that (albeit that's with the computer). Sounds like you're happy with where you work; is there anything at work in terms of technology or interpersonal skills you feel like you could get better at? You can invest time into that. Or as some people mentioned you can do something completely different, some hobbies can end up being "careers" themselves. For example, if you love olympic weightlifting, you might have aspirations to become a national competitor one day. Goals like that can really motivate you to invest time in one way or another after the workday.
Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
41–50 of 112 posts
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#42> I mostly enjoy my day at work. There are people to talk to and somewhat interesting projects to work on.
Stockholm syndrome.
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#43Play music! I can't recommend it enough! I'm conducting a hobby orchestra and it's the most fun I have all week.
There's something deeply satisfying in playing together in a large group. I'd recommend something a little livelier than classical but that's fun too!
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#44Join a local climate movement. It’s a lot of fun and as a bonus you might save human civilization.
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#45I have a rule of thumb. From a stress rating of 0-10, your days should ideally be 8 stress or 0. Growth = stress + rest The more elite people can take on a lot more stress. 0 doesn't necessarily mean watching Netflix; for me that's more stressful than playing with spreadsheets or commenting on HN. What most people do is stick around 3-5 stress level (the comfort zone) or constantly at 6 (trying my best). It's a recip…
I’m not sure why you’re equating stress and growth. Surely you can grow without being stressed? In fact, that’s my preferred way! I enjoy learning new things and being challenged... to me that’s not stressful at all, but the opposite — restorative.
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#46Get married and have kids. They'll fill up all of your free time and then some.
Little hard to just “do that.” I’m guessing the poster is single given the content of the request.
You can, however, just go out and get a dog. They can take up a lot of time while also being very rewarding. And it’s a lot cheaper.
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#47> I mostly enjoy my day at work. There are people to talk to and somewhat interesting projects to work on. Stockholm syndrome.
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Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#48Freelance, find new recipes that you may enjoy and make interesting dinners. Also the obligatory third place - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_place
Is Third place even a thing in modern cities nowadays? I feel like it has shifted online, and even online Third places (small message boards) have been disappearing... HN may be quite close to one.
In a city like NY or London or SF, what would be good Third places for HN-type people?
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#49I try to spend my time doing things that let me create things, get into a flow state or both of those. I'm also a bit of an introvert. At work that has led me into a career in software. At home, there's a couple things that have been the focus of my free time: hiking, woodworking or music (I have to pick 1 or 2 to focus on... there's just not enough time)
Woodworking has been my kick for the past few years and it's a great hobby if you have a bit of space to make sawdust (basement, back yard/common area, garage, spare room). I find that it's really satisfying to make something tangible. Even after a full day of building software, spending time working with your hands can be incredibly satisfying, refreshing and fulfilling. It's also a very deep art/trade that you continually improve at so, over time you get to see your work improve as you learn more and get better. Things you make will go from clunky to functional to elegant. The cool thing is that you can be proud of it all. You made it!
Re: Ask HN: What to do after the workday?
#50Where I live, there is an organization [1] that is aimed at young professionals and offers "sports" leagues after work. It is especially good for people new to the city: you sign up and they put you on a team. The standard model is that some bar near the playing field will sponsor your team; after every match, your team goes to the bar for some free or discounted drinks and food. You make friends very quickly!
Your city almost certainly has some variation on this concept.