[bugthe0ry]

What I wonder is how did Kobe know this was a sign that he was done. Why didn't he think he was just burned out and maybe just needed a break before returning to the game? How can you tell when you're burned out vs. just being completely done with it all?

[ricc]

I think because he was already 37 or 38 at that time, and was suffering from injuries, too. There was no point continuing if both his body and mind are not the way they used to be.

[Cthulhu_]

This sounds about right for most pro sports; few continue as players in their 40's, especially in the higher impact / energy sports like basketball.

[bugthe0ry]

I meant applying this mentality to programming - how can one differentiate between burnout and being done with the field?

[linearrust]

> how can one differentiate between burnout and being done with the field?

Money. If you are financially independent, you are done with the field. If you are financially dependent, you are burnt out.

[mattgreenrocks]

Time and wisdom.

I think most devs can delay burnout/leaving the field if they begin viewing programming as a means to an end, e.g. "programming as a way to build their own business," or "using programming knowledge to mentor others," or "using programming knowledge in another domain they're interested in to great effect."