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Ask HN: What to do when you lose interest in Programming after 10 years?

4 points by dbKooper ↗ HN
So, I have been a tech guy for last 10 years of my career where i fairly enjoyed and held pride about my work but recently my perspective has changed. I now feel like a puppet to CEO/Execution guys who gets all the limelight and my contribution is kind of sidelined. That makes me feel unimportant and think that i have chosen a wrong line of work. Anyone else feel like it? How to cope with it.

10 comments

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ddingus
Start learning about business.

You have a skill, and it is not a solid match for you and your growing inclinations. This happens. Has happened to me a few times actually.

My advice is: Approach something new the same way you did before.

Along the way, keep your current skills sharp, network with others in the new area of interest and soon you will find yourself combining all of that in new ways.

dbKooper
Good advice. Thanks. But it's kind of scary, as i am more of introvert (quiet-kind) and business hustling requires being an extrovert which exhausts me.
auslegung
I challenge the assumption that management and leadership require extroversion. If interacting with people drains your energy levels, you can find ways to balance your energy throughout the day and week. I’m not saying it’ll be easy or always 100% achievable, but it’s doable and introverts can thrive in these positions. God help us if they can’t lol.
dbKooper
Yes, I have heard that extroversion isn't necessary at leadership but I see it like a sales-man job to convince every stake-holder ( maybe another assumption ) Our mind and brain is a habit and pattern machines which doesn't let us change so easily. right? But i guess i will have to get there slowly.
auslegung
I'm not saying you need to become extroverted. "Introverts tend to feel drained after socializing and regain their energy by spending time alone. This is largely because introverts’ brains respond to dopamine differently than extroverts’ brains"[0]. Introvert is different than being shy. If your brain responds to dopamine differently than an extroverted person's, then you can't change this.

But I'm not suggesting you change, I'm suggesting that you learn how to balance your energy throughout the day. If socializing drains you, and being alone recharges you, you'll need to schedule your day around that. And you'll need to find a manager position that will allow you to do that.

[0]: https://introvertdear.com/what-is-an-introvert-definition/

ddingus
There are many roles in business that do not require those things. It's not all just a Hustle.

And the networking means doing what's within your personality right?

For some that means having lunch going to event meeting new people talking about things. For others that might mean contributing to a project, or shadowing someone in their role.

My true the experience is protect related, manufacturing computers programing CNC machines and related activities.

On the advice from friends, I began to get interested in business, and combine those things for the business mind today. It's been a lot of fun, it's been rewarding, and it has paid well.

I suspect you will find something similar happens to you.

If nothing else, repeat this a few times, and that's one way very good generalists get created.

auslegung
Have you considered making a transition into engineering management? You can eventually work your way to VP of engineering then CTO with your 10 years of software plus management and leadership skills.
dbKooper
I have been an engineering manager for 2+ years.
matonias
Start building up something that you would like to do for the next 10 years, possibly for the rest of your life. No rush, just work on it whenever you can.

Once you have solidified that, you can decide to quit programming.

Doing this currently!

rasputnik6502
Many people ride on the backs of others who are too busy doing the work. And a good programmer can carry quite a crowd without noticing. But if you have noticed already maybe you need to move to another company