How do you keep the interest after 25 years

Question

I&rsquo;ve been working as a developer since 1996, Clipper, MS Access, Delphi, Java, and eventually .NET/C#. I have made nothing of a consequence.In time, gradually, I have lost all interest in almost everything, the job, the business, the people&hellip;I try to explore things, hobbies, pet projects&hellip; it lasts for a day or two, then it&rsquo;s like &ldquo;meh, what&rsquo;s the point&rdquo;. Even going to the gym started feeling like that&hellip;Any suggestion on how to push through? I obviously have to work (mouths to feed, mortgages to pay).

scantis · Accepted Answer

That's difficult, motivation is the ultimate key. I love to unwind, doing something else, startet wakeboarding and smashing my face in water. Started a weird obsession of meeting real people playing some GO, chatting and loosing.
Something about trying new things and being horrible at them, makes the day to day the dorment state. I feel relaxed with task I can complete and excitement for what comes so natural to others but is beyond my abilities. I wish I could just slide on water or see the spaces for the stones.
Something different, something just for you.
Otherwise it is only the lonely mind against the void. Problems you can't explain to anyone, pushing the wheel of death to move at all.
There is no pushing through, there is no holding out, it is what it is. Kneip it, hot then cold, enjoy the change don't suffer one too long. Accept both states as what they are. It got me so far.
But what do I know. Not at it for so long, but I accept my depressions when autumn changes leafs. This is a month away in the north, so enjoy the sun and don't worry so much. When it is cold and dark outside it is easy to be productive.

bigredhdl · Answer

I don't have any silver bullets and often find myself in a similar circumstance as you. Here is what I can suggest as possible courses of action. First, have you considered seeing a counselor? YMMV, but if you find the right one they may help you work through the not so obvious sources of that "what's the point" feeling. Second, read as much as you can on the subjects of motivation, burn out and happiness. I'm currently reading "Smarter, Faster, Better" by Charles Duhigg and there is interesting stuff in there about how lack of choice can lead to lack of motivation. This is just one example of a deep subject however which is why I suggest reading a lot and see what you identify with. Personally, I'm also a big fan of "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris. Good Luck.