Programming at work can be pretty boring. We usually aren't tackling exciting technical challenges. Instead, our main focus is ensuring we understand the project well and that everyone is working towards the same goal – creating something valuable.
A significant part of our job involves making sure our features get implemented. This means dealing with things like selecting the right reviewers, presenting our work in a way that appeals to them, and sometimes making changes we may not fully agree with, just to address their feedback.
All these little tasks can turn what used to be a passion into a burden. It's similar to how professional chefs might not enjoy cooking at home in their free time.
To revive my passion, I decided to do the opposite of my professional work during my free time. I let go of strict rules like having unit tests and following best practices. Instead, I explore all the shiny technologies that intrigue me, experiment with clever hacks, and create solutions that might not look the best but are enjoyable to build.
After all, if you can't have fun with something you love, then what's the point of doing it in the first place?