"That lost identity was "computer programmer" and it was arguably one of my biggest. It's weird to say I've lost it when I'm still every bit the computer programmer (in both the professional and hobby sense) I ever was. My love for computers and programming them hasn't diminished at all. But a social identity isn't about typing on a keyboard, It's about belonging to a group, a community, a culture."
"I enjoy programming computers because they function on a set of precise and rigid rules. This creates a kind of fantasy world where you can gain wizard-like powers as you accumulate knowledge. Yes, programming is hard and it can be exasperating, but that makes the eventual accomplishment of mastering the skill all the sweeter. Over time, you gain fluency and dexterity as a programmer. It feels good."
Research indicates people process information and truth through social identities. A person recognized the loss of the 'computer programmer' social identity and experienced subconscious mourning despite unchanged skills and enthusiasm. Social identity centers on belonging to a group, community, and culture rather than the act of typing or technical skill. The programming identity included attraction to precise, rigid rules, a sensation of gaining wizard-like powers through accumulated knowledge, and satisfaction from mastering difficult challenges. Over time that identity provided fluency, dexterity, and emotional reward. The loss reflects a diminishing sense of group membership rather than a loss of capability.
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