I feel blessed that I like my current job. Good manager, interesting work, limited amounts of bureaucracy. Most of this is a lucky coincidence but there are some things we can do. I had to explain many times to people which tasks I’m good at and which ones they should ask other people to do. I regularly defend this position. I set aside the morning for creative work only, no meetings, no admin, just thinking and solving. In the afternoon I down tools and do something physical, outside in daylight. A regular sleep cycle is absolutely critical for the maintenance of health and mood. Fresh food and companionship. Regular meditation. Do the basics well. These are the things that have made me happy.
Do you have kids? Does your schedule accomodate parenting and chore duties? I feel that after my kid was born, I lost the possibility of having a good night of sleep. And my kid is already older, so I don’t have the issue of waking up many times during the night anymore. Even so, just surviving has been difficult.
I feel that after my kid was born, I lost the possibility of having a good night of sleep.
That resonates with me.
Hang in there. The sleep and free time stuff does get better.
I’ve been leading a fully remote team for most of the last decade, and I lately think a lot about modeling behaviors for my team, such as stepping away for 20 minutes to take a walk, or run some dishes or laundry.
I feel blessed that I like my current job. Good manager, interesting work, limited amounts of bureaucracy. Most of this is a lucky coincidence but there are some things we can do. I had to explain many times to people which tasks I’m good at and which ones they should ask other people to do. I regularly defend this position. I set aside the morning for creative work only, no meetings, no admin, just thinking and solving. In the afternoon I down tools and do something physical, outside in daylight. A regular sleep cycle is absolutely critical for the maintenance of health and mood. Fresh food and companionship. Regular meditation. Do the basics well. These are the things that have made me happy.
Sounds like you’re well paid and your time is valued, I imagine most devs would be happy with that!
Do you have kids? Does your schedule accomodate parenting and chore duties? I feel that after my kid was born, I lost the possibility of having a good night of sleep. And my kid is already older, so I don’t have the issue of waking up many times during the night anymore. Even so, just surviving has been difficult.
That resonates with me.
Hang in there. The sleep and free time stuff does get better.
I’ve been leading a fully remote team for most of the last decade, and I lately think a lot about modeling behaviors for my team, such as stepping away for 20 minutes to take a walk, or run some dishes or laundry.