bye everyone I'm done

I’m quitting chess.

No meltdown, no dramatic goodbye - I’m just tired. The game used to feel meaningful, like every improvement was a small victory. Lately it feels like I’m pouring hours into something that only leaves me stressed or empty. I kept telling myself to push through it, take breaks, come back fresh… but every return felt worse than the last.

I’m not quitting because I’m losing. I’m quitting because I don’t care enough anymore, and forcing myself to care is draining the rest of my life. I don’t want a hobby that feels like a job or a measurement of my self-worth.

Maybe one day I’ll get the spark back, maybe not. Right now, I just need to step away and breathe without thinking about ratings, openings, blunders, or whether I’m “wasting my talent.”

To anyone who still loves the grind - I respect you. I’m just done.