> programming is a great way to have the zest for life sucked straight out of you If that's what you really think then maybe you should go become an ESL teache

> programming is a great way to have the zest for life sucked straight out of you If that's what you really think then maybe you should go become an ESL teacher in Japan, or at least try a new position that may fit you better. I find good programming roles to be highly enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding jobs. Sounds like you might need a change - shake things up a bit, re-examine assumptions and that sort of thing. It's very bad in the long run to hate your job.