Ask HN: How do you figure out what you're passionate about?

2•charliebwrites•1h ago

I've been in tech for 15 years now. A lot of what I loved about it has changed, and I'm now at a crossroads where I have an opportunity to leave and do something else.

I ended each day of my old jobs exhausted, and never had the energy to do or try the things I thought I was interested in.

I am now in my mid 30s and find myself with a ton of free time. But I am finding I have no idea what I want to do.

Nothing that used to interest me interests me anymore. The things I think I might like I for whatever reason don't have the energy to do or try them.

I feel like I've been in survival mode for so long I dont know what my passions are. How do I find them again?

Comments

midnightbobarun•1h ago

Take a vacation, and after a few days, think about what your mind naturally drifts to when there's nothing that you have to do in particular, and no special obligation. Maybe that will help point you in the right direction.

Charonix•57m ago

I'm in a similar situation. At my previous job, I burned out, and it led to some serious health problems. Now I don't even know what I want to do anymore. I was a software engineer for 20 years.

eizadieamir•1m ago

Me too. I worked as a CEO for 5 years. and burned out. I am trying to find out the sutable criteria by reading and doing sport. There is a hope still

k310•53m ago

Talk to people. Find out what interests them. You might pick up a really enjoyable hobby or two, or latch on to an exciting project. I can't imagine Jobs without Woz.

I didn't find my complement, but didn't mingle widely until later on, when jobs put me in contact with many.

A friend I met after changing coasts liked trains, but it was a good excuse to carpool to fishing locations near those lines. I couldn't fish worth a damn, but those were beautiful locations, and they revived my photographic bug.

Things do connect, but not in isolation. Hobbies, either by association, or just getting out, create opportunities.

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