Can't perform like I used to 10 years ago

[ELBBUBKUNPS]

I've noticed in last year or so my ability to grasp technical concepts, design decent data models or just get my head around any new system and data flows has gone down big time, things just don't synch in. Over the last few days I've been working on re-writting it an existing ETL process and I'm struggling with it, complex stuff but nothing I have not handled before. Looking back though 10 years I was working on more complex stuff and never had a problem.

Have others found the same as they got older, I can't tell if Im just getting slower to learn as I've got older or just had enough of IT and so bored it my brain is blocking it out.

[SandyD]

I've noticed in last year or so my ability to grasp technical concepts, design decent data models or just get my head around any new system and data flows has gone down big time, things just don't synch in. Over the last few days I've been working on re-writting it an existing ETL process and I'm struggling with it, complex stuff but nothing I have not handled before. Looking back though 10 years I was working on more complex stuff and never had a problem.

Have others found the same as they got older, I can't tell if Im just getting slower to learn as I've got older or just had enough of IT and so bored it my brain is blocking it out.

If you are noticing some brain fog, you maybe having some health issues? Am being serious, look at your diet, are you getting the correct nutrition, have some multi-vitamin tablets, quit processed and sugar food, and if you are smoking/drinking much give it a rest and you'll feel a lot better...

[SandyD]

Saying the above, I always have brain fog in the winter and it gets better by spring time lol, but this year winter is not letting go ...

[Bacchus]

Time to take old yello' out into the yard and retire him with 'onour...

[SandyD]

Time to take old yello' out into the yard and retire him with 'onour...

I don't believe in that... I think the issue could be total boredom and disinterest, solution for that is take a break or find something else that interest you... or it maybe a health issue.

Mental alertness and sharpness is an important health indicator, do not ignore it

[KentPhilip]

When did you last have a holiday? They are critical to remaining alert and productive.

Are you at the same client? time to change if you've overstayed your welcome.

[TheFaQQer]

I can't tell if Im just getting slower to learn as I've got older or just had enough of IT and so bored it my brain is blocking it out.

I think the latter may be the "problem" - some days I'm so fed up of IT that I really just cannot be arsed. Sometimes, that lasts the whole contract. The last time it did, I turned down the six month extension, had a seven month chilling break and went back refreshed.

Maybe look for a break, or something different for a bit. When I was permie and the place got me down, I volunteered to do graduate recruitment events - I had no choice there but to be bright, cheery and positive, which then gave me a bit more oomph at work for the next couple of months until the next event.

[Malcolm Buggeridge]

With you on the boredom bit.

Problem is, we don't right interesting routines any more.

More time is spent plugging in and configuring black box framework components and then going through the needle in a haystack job of trying to fix them when they inevitably don't work.

[SandyD]

Maybe look for a break, or something different for a bit. When I was permie and the place got me down, I volunteered to do graduate recruitment events - I had no choice there but to be bright, cheery and positive, which then gave me a bit more oomph at work for the next couple of months until the next event.

This is what I noticed myself, sometimes if I mentally force myself to be bright and cheery, it works and I get the oomph for a while..
Oh also exercise works wonders, go for a walk or if you have a gym or a pool near work, its worth going there at lunch break/before or after work, you'll be surprise how it will help.

[doodab]

Lay off the booze, exercise, eat healthy, get an early night. Do that for a few weeks.

It could also be a more serious health issue so get checked out.

Failing that, nice long holiday and a new gig, perhaps in a different area?