> To be a programmer, it takes someone that doesn't mind being behind a computer for a good part of the day (even if you're able to take a break to get some fresh air on occasion). Otherwise, it will have the effect it seems to have had on the OP, and ultimately leave you wishing for something else.
I don't know if that's true for everybody.
Being behind a computer all day long is what I've been doing since I was 8. I'm 26 now. I like computers. I don't mind it. But whenever I do a little traveling or have to spend a while outdoors, I feel an immense joy, and I get the feeling that there's an incredible amount of things out there I'm missing out; I yearn for life "outside". I think I'd do well on it. I'm happy as a programmer, but I can imagine myself being happy a farmer - who knows? Whether I'd be happy, or happier, I have no idea.
There are so many occupations out there, and each person is so complex, I find it hard to say with any confidence that a person has found his true profession. It might just be that I'd have been an extraordinary sailor, but the circumstances of life have made it so that I will never know that reality. Everyone convinces themselves that they've found the path they were cut out for, but there's a lot of wishful thinking there, and many people don't even consider these issues at all.
I'd be a lot happier as a programmer if I could do it only about 20 weeks a year. Hell, I'd probably gladly work 60+ hour weeks then. 40 hours week after week and I slowly grow to hate it. If only programming work were seasonal. 1/3 of my work weeks programming, 1/3 studying, practicing music, and doing non-programming creative work, 1/3 physical labor and building things with my hands. That'd be my perfect life, I think.
Not sure how to make that work while providing for my family, though, since working 1/3 a year at a professional job isn't usually an option and, even if it were, I'd be passing up a lot of money.
Oh well, can't have everything. Hurray for comparative advantage, I guess? Back to coding....
I'm continually in search of a job where I can split my time between programming and building stuff. I already had my dream job. I was writing control and data processing software for lab instruments, but also doing mechanical design, making parts in a machine shop, assembling electronics. Then my grant ran out, and I wasn't getting paid much either. Still think my dream job would be building boutique one-off scientific instruments.
I agree with this 100%. I wish it was more acceptable to take a hiatus from a traditional full-time job. I would love to take 3+ months off this summer to travel around the world since I've never gotten a chance to, but there's no way my company would allow that. Therefore the only way for me to take 3+ consecutive months off would be to quit.
I don't know if that's true for everybody.
Being behind a computer all day long is what I've been doing since I was 8. I'm 26 now. I like computers. I don't mind it. But whenever I do a little traveling or have to spend a while outdoors, I feel an immense joy, and I get the feeling that there's an incredible amount of things out there I'm missing out; I yearn for life "outside". I think I'd do well on it. I'm happy as a programmer, but I can imagine myself being happy a farmer - who knows? Whether I'd be happy, or happier, I have no idea.
There are so many occupations out there, and each person is so complex, I find it hard to say with any confidence that a person has found his true profession. It might just be that I'd have been an extraordinary sailor, but the circumstances of life have made it so that I will never know that reality. Everyone convinces themselves that they've found the path they were cut out for, but there's a lot of wishful thinking there, and many people don't even consider these issues at all.