For context, I've been struggling with work/life balance.
One thing I've realised is that I've never really viewed coding as work, even though I do it for a living (including in my spare time). I think instead I've always viewed it as a hobby, and I've therefore never really had this sense that it's something I could do too much of.
In retrospect, I've come to realise that although I enjoy coding and treat it as a hobby, it is ultimately "work" in the sense that I've been burning out from it.
I think then realised that not all hobbies are equal and that some are equivalent to work, whilst others aren't.
For example, video games I feel aren't work. Whereas something like coding or doing house repairs is, simply due to the effort involved - irrespective of whether you enjoy it or not. I think another example is art, but when you're studying it to get good at it - that also to me is work, due to the nature of studying.
Do you consider coding "work"?
Leisure time can take many forms, and coding can be a fun hobby. However, if you do it at work and feel burned out on it, it could be helpful to have a hobby that gets you off the computer to create some more variety.
A barista likely doesn’t want to see a cup of coffee while they are off work, meanwhile there are tech worker who will turn making coffee into a hobby and they love it.
It’s not a question of if coding is work or not. It sounds more like coding is no longer providing you with enough variety and differentiation between work and leisure time. I know a lot of people who have hobbies that look like work, but they like it and it’s different enough from their day job that it’s enjoyable. Woodworking is a common example.