Ask HN: Losing all interest in programming, what now?

> I turned to helping other people solve their problems because at least I was helping others to get through what I couldn't figure out how to get through myself.

Do you consider this to be a good thing? Doing the same now, and wondering if it’s okay.

As someone who has motorcycled in the past...

Naw. It ain't going to be cheaper. More adrenaline causing perhaps, but not cheaper. Between buying accessories, upgrades, and different styles, you'll be paying them off for awhile.

One a more serious note: Riding a motorcycle won't cure depression. Depression, on the other hand, can make you not want to motorcycle anymore.

I was just about to type this. I've noticed as I get older both literally and career wise, I enjoy guiding where the code goes and letting more jr members work towards those goals while helping to improve their programming/soft eng practices. It's very rewarding.

I find the

This sounds like depression

Comments unhelpful.. sure, it might be. But it's so general. And what do you do, treat it with therapy, diet, exercise and meds

While undoubtedly useful and necessary, we can find such diagnoses and treatment anywhere.

It elides the personal nature, and ignores specific causes.

The story was touching. I can't offer advice, because it's your life, but i can share what helped me.

When i got bored with boilerplate, i made my own frame works to make the boilerplate mine and bearable.

I made tools i love to use.

This made it better and less boring.

When i lose interest in things or feel I'm losing my spark...i consider what am i not saying that i really feel. How am i not living my true authentic life.

And then i start closing that gap. Saying what i want to say. How i really feel. Doing what i want to do.

It's not easy. Bridges sometimes are burned. Connections lost. Opportunities declined.

But i feel i get closer to the life i really want. And that let's me feel lighter and want to get up everyday and enjoy it. When I've got confidence my choices will lead me to a path that i will increasingly like, instead of feel like they're trapping me in one that i don't want.

I'm also careful with my diet. And double these efforts when I'm feeling off. Minimize processed foods, and increasing vegetables.

And meditating and relaxing.

I find this keeps me balanced, centered and me. And then what i want to do occurs natrally.

And i just follow some ideas i have. And don't try to start something that will be too hard for me or take me too long.

If i don't want to do something i don't do it.

Like i said, not advice, because it's your life, your choices and you're different to me, and i don't want the karma nor the responsibility of affecting your path.

But just sharing what helps me, because maybe they can inspire you and help let you feel things can be okay.

I'm going to keep it very simple; tell yourself you're not going to program for two whole weeks. You may feel uncomfortable letting yourself go, but it will give you a much needed break and you will come back more energized.

Speaking a bit more anecdotally, what worked for me when I facing a similar problem was shutting off the computer immediately after work and allowing myself to relax and prioritize other hobbies. I was watching more documentaries and vlogs, as well as going outside and hiking on the weekends as opposed to being bunkered down at my desk. This opened my eyes to what there really is in life, and I now view programming almost completely differently as a result, but in a sustainable, healthy way. I slowly built my passion back up, but not as compulsively as before. I don't program just to program anymore, which actually makes me more efficient.

I know your struggle and I wish you the best. Accept you need time off and it will get so much better.