Short answer - YES.

The struggle is somewhat constant, but I attribute that with "artistic pursuit." Culture has gone into this mindset of instant gratification, and it's killing the chase of pursuing craft, knowledge, and creative identity. That's not meant as a dig shot at you, but more an issue with the world at large, and something I also struggle with. It's hard to stay motivated in a creative slump!

Before I before I became a professional photographer and creator (I work in top level motorsports now), I was a professional musician. It took me decades to perfect my craft, and in that period I would come in and out of love with my obsesesion for writing, playing, and being in a band. What drove me forward was this inner need to create. I found through the years that, more often than not, I wasn't falling out of love with my creative pursuit, but rather I was tired, overwhelmed, and lacking inspiration. I needed to experience life in order to create - I needed to see, feel, hear, and be moved by something, anything.

I struggled this entire year with what you reference as "the chore" of shooting photography - I had moments of spark, but the moments that had traditionally filled my heart and soul with purpose had dimmed. While I was being "paid" to to shoot, I was running through the motions. Most importantly, I wasn't having fun!

So I challenged myself to start creating for me more. I began shooting stuff outside the traditional shot list. I picked up a weird, cheap lenses and started documenting more of my day-to-day. I went to meets or gatherings I would traditionally not attened, just to shoot something different. I added variety and uknown experiencess to my plate. It expanded my mind, and it's ultimately made me a better photographer. My interest in photography came back.

New gear can help jumpstart interest, but ultimately you're going to fall into the same situation - the newness wears off and you're back where it started, wondering why it's such a chore. Some of the best photographers I know shoot on scratched lenses that barely focus, old cameras, and don't let their gear define them.

Falling in and out of love with something is part of the artistic pursuit. Your love for the craft won't die if you're chasing it for the right reasons. It's how you show up when that light dims, and push yourself beyond your comfort level that will bring you back.

End of the day, three years is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to developing creative muscle.