[Cthulhu_]

The "problem" is self-regulation, vs having someone else - a parent, a boss with a clipboard and your clock-in thingy, a military commander, etc - tell you what to do when. Self-discipline is hard and requires willpower, and I've always been of the opinion that willpower is a resource, but someone else telling you what to do when doesn't cost as much willpower as motivating yourself.

Blue collar work is better in that regard; you clock in every day at the same time, do a job that doesn't involve computers, often optimized for output so you don't have many lulls of activity, take breaks when the bell goes, and clock out and shut work off completely once you're done.

Meanwhile IT white collar work, especially WFH, requires a lot more self-direction, and since for most people in IT their entertainment is also digital, the boundary blurs by a lot.

Part of me wants a blue collar job.

[denim_vampire]

Completely agree. I worked in a factory for a while, and while it was worse in many ways than my current tech job, it was so much easier to just show up and do the work.

[avgDev]

I also worked at a factory before transitioning to programming, and can relate to everything you have said.

My research resulted in me getting an ADHD diagnosis. My brain is screwed up. It just has a weird relationship with dopamine and motivation.

Not sure if this would work for you but a low dose Adderall really helps me focus and feel good doing "slower" tasks like work. I would certainly speak to a physician if you haven't already.

I have a child, who is brilliant, and performing great at school but he is already presenting similar symptoms as myself, hopefully I can help him set healthy limits and cope without meds.