So recently I took a break from coding (outside of my job) and side projects just to relax my mind since I had been stressing myself out. This 'vacation' away from tech has been really refreshing and I'm noticing that I have new desires such as working out, skateboarding, hanging out with friends, reading books, meeting new people, etc. It's all been a lot of fun. It reminds me of who I was pre-tech (before I started out as a software engineer)
I haven't lost my love for coding but I'm a bit hesitant to return to it. The reason being, when I get into that mode it's kind of hard to switch back. I become too analytical, too logical. I begin to overthink things, I kind of lose interest in casually hanging out with friends (no social life), always looking for a solution to things/better approach, being spontaneous becomes a challenge, etc. It's like my focus just shifts to coding and my side projects, and I get stuck in that mindset.
I'm enjoying this time away from coding although I do want to get back into it but trying to figure out how I can do that and maintain a balance.
Any of you guys experience this before? Any thoughts?
Oldest comments (2)
It could be an opportunity to explore a whole new branch of programming, maybe open your mind to new things within the craft that fit your current mindset.
I know what you mean with this mindset shift and it can be hard to think about "getting back into it", but you could really see it as a chance for a new approach to the craft itself. I don't think the all-or-nothing approach to the problem solving is the only way to go.
It also sounds like you are not currently maintaining any old code independently, which is a damn fine state to be, so things seem pretty great no matter what you end up doing.
That is a great idea Ben. Thanks for the input. I'm still trying to find that side of the industry that would fit my current mindset.
Like for me to get back into the flow of things isn't the hard part, what I'm worried about is what I will have to sacrifice.
I'm starting to realize that I'm more of a people person/adventurous than I previously thought. So maybe something that includes interaction with people that goes hand in hand with tech. That could also just be a matter of finding the right workspace.