So recently I took a break from coding (outside of my job) and side projects just to relax my mind since I had been stressing myself out. This 'vacation' away from tech has been really refreshing and I'm noticing that I have new desires such as working out, skateboarding, hanging out with friends, reading books, meeting new people, etc. It's all been a lot of fun. It reminds me of who I was pre-tech (before I started out as a software engineer)
I haven't lost my love for coding but I'm a bit hesitant to return to it. The reason being, when I get into that mode it's kind of hard to switch back. I become too analytical, too logical. I begin to overthink things, I kind of lose interest in casually hanging out with friends (no social life), always looking for a solution to things/better approach, being spontaneous becomes a challenge, etc. It's like my focus just shifts to coding and my side projects, and I get stuck in that mindset.
I'm enjoying this time away from coding although I do want to get back into it but trying to figure out how I can do that and maintain a balance.
Any of you guys experience this before? Any thoughts?
It could be an opportunity to explore a whole new branch of programming, maybe open your mind to new things within the craft that fit your current mindset.
I know what you mean with this mindset shift and it can be hard to think about "getting back into it", but you could really see it as a chance for a new approach to the craft itself. I don't think the all-or-nothing approach to the problem solving is the only way to go.
It also sounds like you are not currently maintaining any old code independently, which is a damn fine state to be, so things seem pretty great no matter what you end up doing.