It is truly depressing. I would never go back. I earn 1/20 of my old salary as a solo developer. I can't make ends meet, yet. But I would never go back.
Paul Graham wrote somewhing like, if you fail, you would have to go back to those boring companies. This fact provides a lot of motivation. I can't remember the exact phrase. But yes, that's exactly how I feel.
From wikipedia: "In China the number is considered to be lucky and is often displayed in shop windows and neon signs".
How's that not work? I suppose you meant write some code not for your work, but reading tech docs is ABSOLUTELY part of your job...
Chit chat with your friends online, have a cup of coffee, spend 30 min listening to an audiobook or reading. And hey, what do you know, it's lunch time already!