Hi ktmtrader, I know how you feel. This IS a very lonely job. Motivation comes from being meaningful; which then comes the next question; what is meaningful? Meaningful work can be broken down into 3 main components. 1)Competency (which you probably have 2)Autonomy (which you have) 3)Deep multidimensional relationships with other people. Lack of any of these 3 components usually leads one to think that their work is meaningless and thus become unmotivated. Deep interconnected relationships can be cultivated outside work. You may want to explore looking at community work or social clubs (eg toastmasters, sports clubs) that interest you and cultivate relationships. Hope this helps.
I lost the excitement long ago as I found out being excited when market is open leads to be emotional trading, I love the challenge of me against me. "Friends"? Those in my group do not speak of trading, we rather discuss evolution of interest rates, "what-ifs" and when all looks horrible and bleak at life is a step away from huge opportunities. Yes, we wait for the horrors of a country or world to buy some sectors or sell others, we wait for euphoria to happen like earlier this year and been planned decades ago on how to hedge and plunder. It is very lonely, taken decades of working when sun not risen and not noticed it already set and one is still playing the game. You have to love your work, cause other's will never understand but they feel slighted as they often feel like an option. Taken me too long to earn this knowledge, automation will be running long after I die.