I am surprised that no one has mentioned ADD/ADHD yet in this thread, but maybe that takes patience. If all the ADD/ADHD self-rating scales were boiled down to

I am surprised that no one has mentioned ADD/ADHD yet in this thread, but maybe that takes patience. If all the ADD/ADHD self-rating scales were boiled down to just one question, that question would be "Are you easily distracted?" If you are easily distracted, focus your attention long enough to see if a medical appointment might be helpful for you. How I come to give this advice here is that years ago, a participant here on HN described how his programming career struggled until he got medical treatment for adult ADD. Now he can learn more effectively on the job, and he makes a lot more money with a much more stable employment history. You owe it yourself and to anyone else who has helped you develop as much as you have so far to check your attention regulation so that you can be as healthy and happy as possible.