I have had much the same experience. In a way, programming for its own sake is a skill that’s worth it to have, but not worth it to learn. The up-front cost is

I have had much the same experience. In a way, programming for its own sake is a skill that’s worth it to have, but not worth it to learn. The up-front cost is high, and you get very little payout until you’ve progressed from journeyman to master. It’s very like writing in that regard, rewarding perseverance—and, by extension, addiction.