A lot of graduates ask about getting into this field, but I know there are times when I (as well as many others) think about leaving, too. My issue is that I love solving problems and the act of creating something that people enjoy using, and that is what keeps bringing me back. Lately, though, programming has become less of the act of creation and about solving problems, and has become more about being "a monkey at a keyboard". Can you offer any advice with regard to:

• What fields would offer equivalent problem-solving challenges consistently?
• How you would go about doing the research, or considering the career change?
• Basically anything else you think would be helpful in this situation.

EDIT:

I guess I should clarify and say that I've been in the field about 10 years, and I have had my fair share of working environments. The place where I am at now, and even the previous two jobs, the people I worked with have been great. I've been very lucky in that respect. I'm beginning to wonder if the next step for me has little to do with actual programming and more to do with business analysis or strategic consulting. I would hate to get too much onto the business side of things though, as I like being around tech folks more.