I am a programmer as well, and I feel that I used to be good at it, and used to like it. Now, I can't stand it anymore, and it feels like the technology is passing me by. But I don't have the will to try to keep up with all the new buzzwords. I haven't been happy with work in a while, and realized after my girlfriend left late last year that I wasn't happy with anything. Having her around helped mask it. But now I just feel like I'm passing the time until I get old enough to die. I hang on because I have two children I don't want to hurt, but even while hanging on I've gone crazy, drinking like hell and partying with people half my age, seeking whatever thrill or buzz can make me forget for a moment. But are those fleeting moments of relief worth all the time working and being responsible in between? Right now I think not, but I keep hanging on because maybe this is the weekend I'll bang the bartender. I'm sure it isn't, but "maybe" keeps me going. That, and the kids.