I belatedly came to think that it's just about different definitions of the word "fun". I do find programming work satisfying, I think. Solving problems, making

I belatedly came to think that it's just about different definitions of the word "fun". I do find programming work satisfying, I think. Solving problems, making things work, making incremental progress, seeing the pieces come together. It's very satisfying. It just doesn't fit any definition of "fun" that I subscribe to, which kind of rings of "whimsical enjoyment". I mean, it's like a doctor, perhaps. I have known several doctors and surgeons, and they all seemed to find their work incredibly satisfying. Saving people's lives, putting them back together, telling them what's wrong with them and helping them fix it - there is a deep, virtuous satisfaction they feel in doing their jobs and doing them well. But would a surgeon describe a successful operation as "fun"? I fully agree with you that the process and work is the whole point, really. I like my work, obviously, else I'd find something else to do! It's just not what I would call fun. I should have just written that originally, but a few hours to reflect helped in clarifying and solidifying the original impulse.