This morning, Leila asked how I got my groove back:

I think you have a great concept going. I really would like to find out HOW you became passionate about programming? I just graduated with a BS in CIS and am looking for an entry level IT job, HOWEVER I am not a bit excited about computers anymore. Like you I was just planning on continuing my education -get my MBA. But I know an IT job is what I went to school for. HELP! How do I get excited about an IT job when I can't even figure out what title to put on a job search? just degree in CIS?!

I started to comment, but as it became longer, I decided it might benefit others as a standalone post.

I think you just have to make the decision to be passionate. Wake up in the morning and think about how lucky you are. Decide to enjoy the day, and to enjoy what you do. But you can do better.

Think about what drew you to the profession in the first place, and try to get a job doing that. If you can't get one in a timely fashion, try to get a job doing something similar and spend your free time working on side projects that interest you. That's a lot of what I'm doing.

For me, it is learning new things and gaming that I enjoy most. So, I spend a lot of time doing that. I still have to do grunt work, but I get equal doses of fun stuff too - all the while I am expanding my skill set and enjoying most of it.

As far as the job search goes, I'd recommend networking with people. Visit the local User Groups, get involved in forums and mailing lists. Learn things and share them, and people will eventually come to you with jobs. Even though I like the computers, I've found that I really enjoy the relationships with people who also like computers. Before, I stayed locked in a room thinking and working by myself. Now, I venture out from time to time, and in addition, I have the online relationships I enjoy immensely.

Since you probably can't afford to live that long without a job, perhaps in the mean time you can go to a career fair at a local university or just use the search term "programming" and browse jobs until you find one that interests you.

I'd also read many different weblogs about programming to stay up to date on trends in the industry, as well as to receive solid advice that stands the test of time.

Just as importantly, take a look back at your own situation. Can you identify anything that may be causing your malaise? If so, can you remove it? It may be as simple as that.

To the rest of you: how do you maintain and find passion in your work when you seem to have lost it?

Hey! Why don't you make your life easier and subscribe to the full post or short blurb RSS feed? I'm so confident you'll love my smelly pasta plate wisdom that I'm offering a no-strings-attached, lifetime money back guarantee!

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