I have a lot of experience, but until recently I was laid off for 15 months. Once I was desperate enough to pursue (almost) any software job, I tried to upskil

I have a lot of experience, but until recently I was laid off for 15 months. Once I was desperate enough to pursue (almost) any software job, I tried to upskill in areas that were seemingly in demand. I just couldn't make myself do it. Without the natural interest, I didn't have the drive and focus to really learn the material. Eventually I lucked out as the market improved, and I got a job vaguely related to my previous work. It's only now, that the pressure is off, that I can actually enjoy and dive into a fun, on-the-side software project. If I had attempted that side project while still looking for work, I couldn't have relaxed enough to actually enjoy it. YMMV, of course.