Software Engineering is no longer mentally rewarding. What do we do now?

The Body

As a remote software engineer I don’t need to move my body to survive. But not moving has long term consequences so I wanted to find a hobby where I could move my body, and build strength so I don’t wither away in old age.

I started, as most guys do, with a bodybuilding gym routine. It didn’t take me long to realise that was boring. It felt like exercise solely for the purpose of not withering away, a means to an end. I wanted an activity that I did because it was fun and rewarding in it’s own right that just so happened to kept me strong and fit.

In comes bouldering, I started around 4 years ago with some friends when we were trying a bunch of different sports and activities for fun. Bouldering seemed to stick with me. It is the perfect trifecta: problem solving, socialising, and physical fitness.

The Mind

I used to avoid playing puzzle and strategy games. My rational was that my job was mentally demanding enough, I didn’t want to strain my brain even more during my free time. Last week I played the puzzle game Öoo. I honestly felt a bit emotional by the end because I hadn’t felt that kind of mental challenge in so long.

My software engineering job is being taken over by AI, and I think I’m only going to become more of a meat puppet as time progresses. The intellectual stimulation my work gave me is slowly disappearing. Because of this I’m going to try to engage in intellectually stimulating activities outside of work as well as physical.

This is going to be a bit of an experiment but the list includes:

• Piano - reading sheet music, coordinating both hands, and memorisation (might look into composition and music production too).
• Puzzle games - more games like Öoo, which I will end up writing about I’m sure.
• Speedcubing - something I did a lot as a teenager but want to pick up again.
• Writing - this blog post and more like it to come.
• Reading fiction - get the imagination cogs turning.

Final Thoughts

Even though software engineering is heading in a direction I’m not optimistic about for now it still pays well and provides great work life balance. On top of that no other career path seems like a great choice to switch into based on the current climate. This all might change in five years but for now I think perusing mental and physical development outside of work will lead to a fulfilling life and better long term outcomes.