> I'd say this is the crux of the matter.

That's why my opening paragraph and final paragraphs were devoted to it :)

I feel like a lot of the things I hear from other folks is that I'm missing the possibility of programming the way I used to, rather than being sad that it might no longer be practical within the constraints of my life. Even if I did start doing it on the side, going from eight hours a day programming to squeezing in one or two would be quite the change.

> You could perhaps even start your own company if it's that important to you.

I have no interest in ever starting or running a company. Every person I've known who does it has it consume their life. I'd rather spend time with my family and do stuff which doesn't involve a boatload of stress and additional responsibility. Not to mention that in the case where I'm no longer able to find a job programming the way I used to then I don't think it's likely a company where people did that would be competitive enough to survive, at least not normally. Also, one of the reasons I rarely program on the side is that I don't often have ideas for things to make. I just don't feel the need for much software in my personal life, and certainly don't think of the sorts of things where there's a market for them.

Having a lucrative job where you do something where you find great satisfaction in your daily work isn't the norm and is the privilege of a lucky few, but that doesn't mean they aren't justified in feeling sad at the prospect of it going away.