Re:Ask HN: how to be constantly motivated as a developer?
by learner_dev on Monday July 25, 2011 @10:14PM
(#2805679)
Great link on side projects - "It will remind you why programming is fun." :-)
I've been doing a lot of reading, but since a few weeks back I started working on a side project as a way of learning new technologies. Maybe I should diversify - I've been always interested in financing too.
Volunteering can give more purpose to life and is definitely a good suggestion. Thanks for the suggestions.
> I do push myself at home to keep growing
1) You need some side projects. The word push is a key. The key here is the definition:
"Side projects allow programming without deadlines or restraints. Side projects allow programming in an exploratory way."
http://rawsyntax.com/post/5982784556/importance-of-side-proj...
2) Without knowing what you do in your free time, my advice is that you look outside what you do for a living to learn something. Think of it like diversification - you don't want to have all your stocks in technology - consider investing time in non-technology.
What would you do if you didn't have to work? What interested you when you were young and didn't have adult responsibilities? Combine that with volunteering if you can. As a stop-gap, volunteer your considerable technical skills for a non-profit who has a mission that you believe in. Or, organize a group of people to help accomplish something. Good luck!
3) Exercise!