To be clear, I am also having the most fun I've had when it comes to side-projects and even more exploratory things at work. I don't derive all my joy from "Good Code" -- that's silly! I would much rather ship tangible products and features and/or tackle things at home that I wouldn't otherwise.
On the other hand, the other responsibilities of being an engineer have become quite a bit less appealing.
On the other hand, the other responsibilities of being an engineer have become quite a bit less appealing.