http://www.perlmonks.org?node_id=351839


in reply to It's a problem of motivation, Bob

I can relate.

I broke my leg pretty badly back in January 1993 playing hockey. My leg was in a full length, non-weight-bearing cast for 13 weeks. I was in a walking cast for another 27 weeks, and still limped when I started a contract job in November 1993.

I didn't have a computer of my own back then, and after two weeks cliumbing the walls, my pal Jason took pity on me and loanded me an old 386/25 (I think) with a 9600 baud modem. I immediately installed the Borland C compiler and started writing code. About a week and a half later I had an OO version of roff, complete with microjustification on the Epson printer I'd rented. It was a huge relief to be able to use a computer to do something creative again.

After that, I just hung out on CompuServe, visiting the OS2 and CANOPUS forums (fora), not really doing much. it was hard to get motivated after that initial burst. So I can relate

Here's what I can suggest: leave it all for a while, and give it a rest. Recovering from an accident like that is a good opportunity to think about your life and figure out if you're going in the direction that works for you. In my case, one thing led to another and two years later I was separated from my wife. From a distance of almost ten years later, it was good for both of us. At the time, it was painful.

I also thought a lot about the career I was in (software development) and considered doing something else. Eventually I got a contract development job, dived right in, enjoyed it thoroughly and then knew I was in the right field. I also taught a two week course on Programming C at a community college, and discovered that while I like teaching, it's bloody exhausting work.

So, take some time off from your computer, spend some time thinking about Life In General. Heal. Meditate. Rest. Have a great time. And be sure to let us know how it all comes out.

Alex / talexb / Toronto

Life is short: get busy!