It's weird, cubing as an adult. I have less time to train and take interest in new techniques, but the most jarring experience has been with how much this affects motivation to learn. Like, I feel like cubing has become more of a comfort hobby I go back to whenever real life reveals itself to be too much rather than a competitive sport as I used to see it and engage with it.
I’ve only learned cubing as an adult, so I don’t know what it’s like to be a young cuber. I’m just amazed at how quickly they seem to learn new things and the sub-6 and sub-5 cubers are getting younger and younger. I actually use cubing to take breaks from work most days.
I actually began going to competitions this year, and that's been a lot of fun. Although I complain that I don't have the time anymore, this year is when I've been the fastest at all the events I practice (in part, due to going to comps). But it's still all a bit new, though I'm happy I partake in a hobby that has such dynamics to it.
I've only learned cubing as an adult
Are you a collector? In my experience, adult cubers tend to be collectors rather than speedcubers, but that may just be my impression.
Wouldn't call myself a collector but I did have a phase when I bought a bunch of different twisty puzzles. Then I had to move apartments and realized that my puzzles required a large moving box. It's just not sustainable for me so I started giving a bunch away. I still have a drawer full of puzzles but I now only buy puzzles that I'm planning to compete in. Last puzzle I bought was a clock that I just started practicing.