I blocked off an hour of time to work on my software project today and I actually did it!

I felt really discouraged about my work situation this weekend and even worse when I went in on Monday, but by the end of the day I felt a tiny bit better. I take stuff personally when I really shouldn't. I just feel like I am in a really awkward position at this place. It's such an unprofessional role (so much helpdesk) and I don't see any way of turning it into something more strategic/high level... and I always have this feeling like if I were just more <<something>>, I'd be taken seriously, finally. Being in this place makes me feel like I am doomed, like I can't do more strategic level consulting because I am too unprofessional seeming.

And then there is so much 'well, I can't do that until I do this,' that goes on in my life. Like I can't approach people about my software project until I fix my image issues and I can't get a new wardrobe until I lose weight and I can't really have a great social life until I clean and renovate my house and have parties, etc etc.

re: motivation: Have you come across the Stephen King quote: “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” I kind of think finding jobs is like that. Jobs are always going to suck - we're being paid to do stuff for someone else, whether we feel like it or not (OMG, my attitude is so bad). So if I am not excited about a job, I figure that's just normal - why would I be?

Do *any* aspects of job ads, even for jobs you don't want, excite you?