Its not that i need a break, its just bowling isn't fun to me anymore. When do you guys know when to take a season or more off? Im going to be 40 and haven't taken any considerable time of, ever. But we just started this season and i dont have the motivation to go bowling anymore. What should i do?

-You think of any reason NOT to go to league

-You are instantly irritated the second you step foot into the center

-2 minutes into practice you say to yourself "I shouldve stayed home"

-At the conclusion of bowling the ink isnt even dry on the recap sheet and youre peeling out the parking lot

If you suffer from one of these, take a few weeks off. Two or more, a couple of months. 3 or more and youre like me, quit league altogether.

All good advise above ^^ ;  The crazy part is I've played this game for many years straight all year long (No break at any period)  and I've also asked myself 'Should I take some time off, and let the itch come back?

Are of us as being competitors, and wanting to be the best we can be also lose site of what's really important in life. I just got back from a date with my wife, and has a hellava time and just also thought 'Wow this is more fun than bowling'.

I'm going to reaccess my own goals for this game, and not let it be 2 jobs anymore. OP, if your heart says to walk away, then all be it, do what's best for you; if thought about it many times myself; it's plenty of things to do in life to make us happy.

Varies by person I guess but the bowling has always been a shed load more important to me than the competition.  Love of the game even if kicking back rolling some games with my little one open bowling with after birthday party like conditions.  As long as the lights are on I'm good.

league bowling is such a commitment. I haven't done a winter lead in like 15 years.
Stopped bowling when went back to school, then when got back into it did sport shot league in summer. Find that with that at 13 week, plus practice sessions every week, labor day tournament - plus additional practice, I sort of need a break just after summer. Everyone seems to think I'm also crazy just bowling in summer.

I knew it was time for me to step away when it became less fun than going to work. My game had been going downhill fast and my pride told me that I should be better than it was, so I lost the fun of bowling. I planned to take off a season but ended up taking off nearly five years (bowling only ONE game in that time), returning to bowling in 2011. I came back refreshed and now appreciate and enjoy the game as much as ever.
So, I recommend taking the time off and then returning once you miss it too much.

As others have mentioned, take a few weeks off and reevaluate things.  Bowling should be fun, which is why I choose my teammates not by how great a bowler they are, but if they are good guys on and off the lanes.  On those nights when my game isn't as sharp, and I'm frustrated at one thing or another, at least I'm with good people.

If you've done it year around then take summers off to recharge the desire to bowl.  Whenever you quit doing something you're accustomed to doing every week then you should try to "replace" it with something else so you will stay busy instead of becoming a coach potato.  If you don't find something else you may slowly sink into a depression, which can set you back quite a bit (until you discover what's happening and take corrective action). 

If you normally bowl two (or more) leagues then cut back to one so you have time for other things in your life. 

A happy life is one that usually has some balance to it.  When bowling dominates your every waking moment, even mentally, it can become a chore rather than something to look forward to.  Is there something you feel you've neglected because of bowling?  If so, it's never too late to change direction, and then bowling can be a healthy diversion rather than a "ball and chain".

I don't believe in quitting something cold turkey that has been an important part of your life for years.  Just get things back closer to a balance and your perspective will change for the better.  Good luck to you.  There are some really good people here with good advice.  Chances are we've all been there...

simple when it stops being fun time to step away  for a while and enjoy something else you will miss nothing when away from the sport. If you come back all the same things will be there. new balls,10 pins, or 7 s if your left handed cold beer lots or excuses and complaints from the players and house owners.