[aka1234]

It's not just IT. I transitioned to a career in IT when I was 35. I've done a _lot_ of things in my time; everything from bouncing in a world-famous downtown district to being a cashier a gas station.

This is all good advice. Find something you're passionate about outside of work. Maybe look for tech-related 501(c)3s, educational programs, or (if you're so inclined politically) social-justice related causes. All of these could use the help of an experienced IT guy/gal.

And (IMO) there's nothing better to recharge the 'ole batteries than to see the look in someone's eyes when something just clicks. Want to find the hacker ethos and culture? Pass it along to the next generation.