[codingdave]

I took a break for a couple years at one point, also about 4-5 years after I started. I went and threw boxes around warehouses for UPS, then I did a year of law school, then I realized that software wasn't so bad, so I came back to it.

But I came back with different goals. I wasn't pushing myself to be the best engineer in the world... I just did the work. I wasn't trying to make software used around the world... I just took jobs and did my best.

And I found that with a more relaxed attitude, I was better. My work was better, my performance and satisfaction overall was vastly improved. And my career went to a better place. I still don't have the passion for it that some people do, and won't miss it when I retire. But I have solid skills, a solid work ethic, and a solid career.

[marsrover]

I want to do something like this. Take a hiatus but work a minimum wage job so that I appreciate what I have.

[Rainymood]

No need for extreme measures. Why not do some gardening in the weekend? Some manual labour?