Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise. • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#11

Post by edw519 » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:28 PM UTC

"My neck has been hurting for two years for spending so many hours in front of the computer."

Is is possible that you feel crappy and are blaming your work environment?

I've been sitting in front of a computer for 30 years and my neck never hurts. In fact, nothing does.

No matter what you decide, you must take care of yourself. If you don't feel well, you won't be happy doing anything. There are many references on the web on what to do, some excellent and some horrible. I'd be happy to share what I do to feel great if anyone is interested.

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#12

Post by haseman » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:28 PM UTC

Go to the gym every morning. Ride a bike, get active. For some reason an 8-10 hour day in a chair is nearly unbearable unless I've done some sort of activity in the mornings. It may be a low risk thing to try.

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#13

Post by sarvesh » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:28 PM UTC

Travel, take a break. Seems like burntout and you need to take a vacation and then decide whether you really want to quit this industry.

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#14

Post by Adrenalist » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:28 PM UTC

_cbsz wrote: post #6

Adrenalist wrote: post #3

Sounds like a case of burnout to me. I think a lot of people would envy your position, especially given today's economic climate. Without knowing anything of your situation, except that you don't want to work on computers any longer, I'd suggest taking a step back and really analyze your situation. Have a serious conversation about your immediate future with someone that you respect (parent, mentor, older friends/sib…

I find it interesting that "spouse" or "significant other" was not in the "someone that you respect" list.

For some reason, I pictured the original poster as single.

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#15

Post by revdmv » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:33 PM UTC

I'm certain you'll get this comment in spades, but as a relatively young an unencumbered person you should go away and do something else.

I spent a year on "sabbatical" in my mid-20's after being laid off from another company with a great future that didn't quite get there. Best thing I have done.

Did traveling, volunteer work, odd jobs to earn extra cash.

There is nothing as refreshing as not only not knowing the date, but what day of the week it is.

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#16

Post by bjmarte » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:38 PM UTC

Stop

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#17

Post by [deleted] » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:40 PM UTC

Adrenalist wrote: post #14

_cbsz wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I find it interesting that "spouse" or "significant other" was not in the "someone that you respect" list.

For some reason, I pictured the original poster as single.

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#18

Post by uptown » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:41 PM UTC

Get a:

a) Girlfriend b) Dog c) A hobby that doesn't involve electricity

Allow your job to become just one part of your life ... not what defines your life.

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#19

Post by wallflower » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:41 PM UTC

mahmud wrote: post #5

Take one month's expenses, move out your pad if you're renting and go teach English overseas until you get your senses back. Everyone needs their 2-years of fucking around backpacking before they hit 30. I am just coming back from mine; 20 countries in 2 years and stories for a life time. Cost me less than 10k a year to live like that. Cheers!

> I am just coming back from mine; 20 countries in 2 years

I'm curious. 1) Did you bring your own netbook/laptop along and 2) How well are you handling your "re-entry" (e.g. hanging out with friends who knew you pre-travel)?

Re: Ask HN: I'm Tired of Hacking. What Do I Do? Please Advise.

#20

Post by staunch » Wed, May 27, 2009, 8:43 PM UTC

sri wrote: post #4

Try something totally different. It could be a totally different technology: say Ruby on Rails or maybe Flex/Flash & Actionscript. How about becoming a designer? Something you have never considered before or never thought of as worthwhile. Something that brings back the "lightness" feeling you seem to be missing.

I like the idea of seeking "lightness". Heaviness is exactly what burn out feels like, as if everything is 100 times more painful than it really is/should be/once was.