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I did this for years, often more than 2 hours. With young kids, I was burning the candle at both ends. I'd feel like I was giving up parts of my career if I did
by mcbuilder 6y ago
I did this for years, often more than 2 hours. With young kids, I was burning the candle at both ends. I'd feel like I was giving up parts of my career if I didn't. My colleagues would look at me and say I looked like I was crushing it, but I could only think of all the things falling through the cracks.
I've pulled back, holding onto the job. I am now trying to fix my mental health, so many things pushed under the rug. You know what, I'm happy to have a family and be able to support them. I think that's what I wanted in the first place. It wasn't worth pushing beyond my limits.
I am still looking for new career opportunities, but I'll have to be more selective, not simply pushing myself until I break.
- rendall 6y agoI have found that a good work-life balance - literally, taking vacation, turning off the computer at night, not checking or answering work emails on the weekend, taking time off work to pick up the kid from daycare or to the doctor, having barbecue or bar crawls with friends - actually makes me a much better developer. Spare time spent alone I often work on personal coding projects, but I'm always willing to shut down the computer and play train tracks or wrestle
- rendall 6y agoAfter working for over a decade in companies and industries that pride themselves on being always-on and constantly working, I can see the difference, and I can attest, it is always, always robbing Peter to pay Paul.
- nicbou 6y agoI found that doing this had no negative effect on my career. I still got glowing reviews and never had an issue finding work. I think we generally earn enough not to sell the best years our lives for an extra 20%. I don't think I'll lie on my death bed and wish I spent more time at the office. Hell, I wish I earned less and spent more time elsewhere.