What happened to you, is the collision of your idealism (as expressed mainly through software) with &quot;the real world&quot; (that one project that SUCKED).  It happened to me as a musician.  It happens to everyone, maybe.  The world bitch-slaps you and you survive it and that&#x27;s one less thing that can bother you.  You are now, arguably, a man, or at least you could evolve into one, depending on how you process and work through this.<p>You are in a grief process.  What died, is your idea of the world as a continuously improving place where things are done right and for the right reasons.  (You found out it is a huge clusterfuck full of mediocrity.)<p>What you need to remember though, is that your power is not IN the software, any more than mine was in the music.  Software for you is only an &quot;instrument&quot; through which you express your personal power.  The power is not in the instrument, it&#x27;s in you.  And you therefore have the option - an infinite array of options - for how to express it.<p>One idea: Since you may or may not be done with software now, instead of dreaming about early retirement, make a plan and make it happen.  See this guy: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.mrmoneymustache.com" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.mrmoneymustache.com</a> for inspiration.  Then you&#x27;ll have plenty of time to explore other things.  Though it may mean a few more years doing this.<p>And&#x2F;or, in the shorter term, the obvious thing to do is go explore some things and see if they interest you.  Don&#x27;t be all &quot;I have to be a connoisseur overnight,&quot; just keep an open mind.  Go see one play.  Take an improv (like as in acting) class.  Go to an art gallery opening.  Learn to play a musical instrument.  Go on one trip -- and LEAVE YOUR FUCKING PHONE IN THE SUITCASE UNTIL NIGHTTIME.  Excuse me.  I&#x27;m serious though, time away from technology, either incrementally or permanently, is probably what you need.<p>Technology is not the solution to the world&#x27;s ills, it is ultimately fairly empty, and arguably causes more problems than it solves.  That doesn&#x27;t mean it&#x27;s not worthwhile - the Zen master still sharpens his sword now doesn&#x27;t he?  Not because he needs a sharp sword (or hopefully never does), but because the act of sharpening, sharpens him.