I have a level 65 character, who has done most things in the game (++open world exploring, Harbinger, ArchMage, destroyed the DB, almost completed the TG, latter part of the MQ, halfway through DG).

But lately it has started to feel like a "need to get this job done" kind of situation.

I am not the type of person that can 'not finish' something, so I keep grinding it out.

I also feel the numerous CTD I experience for who knows what reasons (some certainly related to mods, but which ones? as TES5Edit and SaveGameCleaner, and LOOT - which just messes things up, and CK are not always fixing).

So, how do you keep it 'fresh'? I played DA Origins through many times (all origins to Ostagar, Mage/Noble through several times, unmodded, modded), and the characters kept me involved, as every play through you could notice subtle differences in the relationships with the NPC companions.

Skyrim just doesn't offer this, so what makes the game for you?

Each of my characters has their own stories to tell. I'm not concerned about "finishing" the developers content or "beating" a game. My sole interest is in telling a characters' story. When I feel my character's story is done, I stop. Then I make a new character and tell a new story.

I may do 5% of a game's content with one character, 60% with another. I am never likely to do all of a game's content with one character because that is almost never appropriate for any of my characters. Nor am I interested in doing so. As a roleplayer I am interested in taking only those actions that are appropriate to a character.

All of my characters and all of their stories are different, which means each of my games are a little different too. My imagination keeps all of the Elder Scrolls games fresh for me.

Playing a game shouldn't feel like work, but there are other options. Roll a different character and play much different than your current one. Give Skyrim a break for while and play something else. Might give you a few ideas on roleplaying a different Skyrim character. You can also get RP ideas all over this forum that might keep the game alive for you.

The Skyrim Blog is your friend.

http://theskyrimblog.ning.com/group/character-building/forum/topics/the-character-build-archive

So many great character build and RP ideas there.

Exploring and uncovering the stories. Each Dungeon has a story, you just have to look for it. Quests are just an excuse to get out in the world and take a peek in that cave over yonder.

TBH, Quests are less than half the game, exploration is the rest. Collecting Artifacts is a good way to spend time in the game world. Some people collect all the books, some people collect all the unique weapons, some people collect everything. Some people RP where the game is just a sandbox to play in, quests are ignored.

One of my favorite charterers in this game is a Bounty Hunter. While I don't have anyone who actually pays me for the bandits and riff raff that I clear from the world, the loot I collect and sell is how I handle the payments. I have no quests to follow other than ones I might pick up along the way.

I spent almost the first 30 or so levels actively avoiding the MQ, and most others as well, and just going "oh look, it's a cave, should we see what's inside...", or "Nordic ruin, what say you?...

Used to be a lot of fun, while I evaded my destiny...now those nasty Blades have their hooks in me, everyone thinks I can solve their little problems, the TG depends on my awesomeness to re-establish itself, Serana nags me to find her mother, Vilja svcked me into marriage. People are even clamouring for me to adopt some kids!! What is is barbarian landscape coming to?

Oh, wait, someone is calling me from there. Be back later...

RP (Role Play)
It will forever change TES for you. It did for me.

I never do everything with one character. I like to have different characters to do different things because it allows me to try different playstyles and explore different stories. Try starting a new character. It may seem daunting after you've done so much with one character, but it can be refreshing to begin anew. Also, try not to fast travel too much if you do. You come across a lot of neat things you may otherwise have missed.

Well, I cannot speak to your mod set up, but I use mods and do not CTD but once in a great while, which is true of about every game I play

In terms of gameplay - sometimes I take a break from Skyrim, lately been playing Inquisition, or co-op Torchlight II with my son, and then I go back to Skyrim. I pick a character I want to play - I use the alternate start mod, which I like a lot. I tend to pick a set of perk trees to work on, with the goal of filling up all the perks (i.e. getting Alchemy to 100, or Archery, or Alteration. Some skills do not appeal to me - Restoration, two handed, etc., but maybe one day a character will assert itself and I'll try those out as well.

My current character is a nosy Bosmer who is more than happy to take on the mantle of Dovakhiin, though she is mostly terrified of dragons and relies on companions and conjures to help deal with them.

If you're getting numerous CTDs then you either installed script heavy mods on current playthroughs or you have conflicting mods. Honestly, I find just playing my usual style is fun. I always play a nightblade or sorcerer or both and I have a blast with just that.

I've run across this as well. Usually, it happens to me because I'm trying to do too much in Skyrim without finishing anything, and also, neglecting real-world stuff I need to do. I suggest you try to figure out whether or not you can finish or drop some quests in the game as well as taking a break to work on improved balance between the game world and the real world.

Good luck!

When a game starts to feel like work I play something else, and come back after a while.