Arrogance is not the problem, even if it points you to the easy way (low quality C++ code as you presented) The problem is you not only that you are not challe

Arrogance is not the problem, even if it points you to the easy way (low quality C++ code as you presented) The problem is you not only that you are not challenged, but you don't love what you do - when you enjoy something, doing it is its own reward, and you want to be better and won't tolerate low quality. Maybe that thing is code - maybe it's not. I would suggest you try something totally different - but something that interest you. Only you can answer what it is - maybe it is economy, or physics, or wrestling- whatever, deep down in yourself, you know you really want to do, but maybe are afraid to do because of the consequences on your beliefs or on yourself. Find that, do it, and the problem will solve itself.