Slightly indirectly related to PTO .. Fortunately, I had a great manager with whom I could talk freely on many subjects including this one. I had kind of "rebel

Slightly indirectly related to PTO .. Fortunately, I had a great manager with whom I could talk freely on many subjects including this one. I had kind of "rebelled" once about the work-life balance. He did say one which stuck with me. There are cases where one might have to work extra: 1. Your own screw up (includes productivity) 2. Screw up by other teams which affects your work 3. Bad project management which includes unrealistic deadlines The only thing that you can control is #1 by becoming more productive and more automation. The #2 is interesting because it is a 2-way street i.e. there will times that someone else might have to work more because you or your team screwed up. About #3 .. well there is nothing to be done Either endure or leave.