After reading this, I feel old. I'm 30 years old and I feel like the stereotypical grumpy bastard who screams at "those damn kids" to get off his lawn. Why? Because reading this annoyed the hell out of me.<p>Don't get me wrong, I don't disagree with what he wrote. It's just that I get annoyed by "magical solutions" that work well, but can only be applied to a minority. There's a whole lot of people out there who (for example) have kids and can't just get up, quit and spend a year traveling and relaxing and having fun. I'll probably get down-voted for this, but I needed to speak up.
Taking a break from something you're pursuing is extremely rewarding. I first noticed this when I injured myself and couldn't run for 2-3 weeks. When I starting running again I was a whole new person. The time off was a great opportunity for personal growth. I noticed this pattern again later in life when I quit my job as a programmer without any solid plans or much money in the bank. Now I'm back and feel better than ever. I sincerely encourage anyone who loves programming but feels burnt out to _choose_ to take a break. If taking a break seems difficult focus all your energy on making it happen.
The author has been answering questions here: <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/8ujgx/dear_proggit_id_like_to_share_my_experience_of/" rel="nofollow">http://www.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/8ujgx/dear_prog...</a>
I have been programming continuously for 30 years and I've <i>never</i> been burnt out. In fact, I'm having more fun than ever. I can't imagine doing anything else.<p>I have worked in 88 companies, either as a contractor or an employee. I have seen OPs scenario (and many other absurd scenarios) play out many times. I have worked on the worst garbage code and dealt with incredibly nasty and incompetent people almost everywhere I've been. But I never let them beat me.<p>Only I get to decide how I feel about anything, especially work. When things have gone sour, which they almost always do, I have done everything I could to fix them, and when that wasn't enough, I have moved on. I've always felt that one of my biggest strengths was the breadth of my experience. I use almost all of it every time I do something.<p>There's now more hope and opportunity for true hackers than ever. It's just a matter of continually finding your best place. Maybe a small service business. Maybe that perfect job. Maybe a startup. If all else fails, keep the lousy day job and hack away at something cool at night.<p>If you're really burnt out, take a break. But make it your decision - don't let the bastards take your inner hacker away. Ever.