This definitely resonates with me a lot.  I have been on both sides of the fence with regards to needing to be ripped away from my terminal to go do something else.<p>In addition to just energy and whether or not programming is a good fit for you, I think it really really helps to have passion, i.e. Drink the kool aid, work in something you want to use yourself or can&#x27;t stop thinking about, or is uniquely challenging to you.<p>I don&#x27;t know any developers that are excellent that got there by working a mundane&#x2F;boring programming job.  Having said that I also don&#x27;t any who have not had to work at several of those before they find one that keeps them awake at night in an excited state.<p>If you aim to improve your skills and work isn&#x27;t doing it for you, do some side projects or contribute to an open source project.  You would be surprised how excitement and passion can beat sleep.  Don&#x27;t get too hooked on it though or you will never have a social life.