Perhaps programming alone can't give you 100% happiness. How about looking at other areas of your life such as improving your relationship/social life, or learning other new skills?
If programming doesn't make me happy, what does?
11–13 of 13 posts
Re: If programming doesn't make me happy, what does?
#12I think what happens is when we become the 'experts' of our domains, we tend to get bored of our profession. After graduating with computer science along with my friends, we really were excited about technology. But after many years, I saw most of my friends get bored with the field, only to see it as a way of paying bills. I think a part of the problem is working in an interesting domain. For example, a friend who w…
You missed the word 'job'. Perhaps the fun expires when it becomes a job?
Re: If programming doesn't make me happy, what does?
#13You certainly aren't alone. I thought the Internet would usher in a new era of enlightenment and put an end to many of man's problems. I'm less optimistic these days, and to be frank what I do is build some pretty dull websites. That's not that inspiring. You can still find ways to take pride in putting lipstick on a pig though.
For me I'm frustrated because I find it harder now to work, and yet I'm more skilled. When I was a crappy programmer (and by no means I am that good now) in some ways I was better. Perhaps because it's easier to see your target when you know less. Ignorance is bliss and all that. The more you know, the more choices perhaps are there to be made - and that can lead to paralysis.
I ended up with RSI that pretty much spelt an end to using a computer for at least 12 months. I've tried to battle on through it. But at that moment I had a similar worry: what am I going to do?
I can't hate computers, as much as I can't hate TV or man. I loathe the time I loose when sitting beside a computer, I've lost many days. And just end up loathing myself. I'm also a perfectionist which doesn't help. Especially with programming, as there is no perfect way of writing a program. And there isn't that much of a tangible outcome with programming (but I guess that also depends on what you are writing) For example if I were to contribute towards say some software on the mars rover, or a life support machine - I might get an immense reward in what I'm doing compared to writing yet another load of CRUD.
I love it when I see simplicity, or apparant simplicity. Something like when your computer just works, compared to wasting hours troubleshooting when all you want to do is print out something. That's the frustration I have with programming - it seems like you do so much for so little.
One day in the garden and I make noticible change. One day on the computer, and the house is still a mess, shelves need putting up and the washing up still needs to be done. It's no wonder why we get frustrated.
Having said that, I don't know what your work is. But for me, most websites could be replaced with a one sized fits all solution. Think of all that time saved.
If all the precious hours programmers labored instead were spent putting the world to rights - we'd have a far better world! Lots of talent in my mind is being wasted. But perhaps people are just happy being occupied.