It's ultimately your call as an employee if you want to work longer/harder/faster, but I don't think there's anything wrong with exercising and 'passion project

It's ultimately your call as an employee if you want to work longer/harder/faster, but I don't think there's anything wrong with exercising and 'passion projects'. I exercise twice weekly, and spend around 2 hours on my own projects - purely so I am stonger, both physically and mentally - which'll lead me to higher paying work in the future (not to mention I love my pet projects!). My employers know that at 5:30, I down tools and under no circumstances, will respond to any calls/emails until 9am the following morning. Do what you do for you, not for anyone else.