Let me start this off by saying that I sympathise with you. But, you should start thinking outside the box. Software development is a craft - and as such, it pl

Let me start this off by saying that I sympathise with you. But, you should start thinking outside the box. Software development is a craft - and as such, it plays a part in achieving outcomes. I don't consider the ability to program a super power - anyone with a technical background is able to learn programming given time and the proper resources. Start thinking more about what you are trying to achieve (the goal) and why you are approaching it in this particular way (the purpose). "Meaningless work" is often the result of decisions made on a whim - take the responsibility to investigate the goal and alternative methods to achieve the same result. In order to find your work more meaningful, you should become more focused on the business aspects. Sometimes the best approach to solve a problem is meaningless work - but at least then that would be a comfort. If you want to try something outside of your day job and you consider yourself good at web-related things, there's little stopping you from setting up an e-commerce store and selling things. Shopify is an e-commerce solution on a platter, but there are many alternatives. I've recently setup a Wordpress + WooCommerce website + bought a theme (Kallyas) for my wife - http://www.swartsbooks.com http://www.swartsbooks.com - still busy working out the kinks. Even though I could have built the store myself, I opted for the practical solution. My current side project focuses on addressing communication issues (e.g. complaints, notices, notifications, sharing of documents) in micro communities such as complexes, estates, shopping centres/malls and corporate parks. You could also write e-books about your craft, similar to what Authority (http://nathanbarry.com/authority/ http://nathanbarry.com/authority/) suggests and sell them on gumroad. If you like doing business, you might consider doing consultation + web development. I occasionally did this the past 2 years and made about $6K at $36/h for development and $30/h for consultation. The consultation part revolves around advising the best approach to take regarding the technical side and the impact on business concerning the technical side. You could also do some research on behalf of your client if you consider yourself more knowledgeable. The moral of the story is that you do not necessarily have to find your day job meaningful (and most people don't), as long as you can do other meaningful things.