I write code, front-end and back-end, and like deploying it on AWS. Software Developer for 20 years, and still love it. Amateur Powerlifter & Parkourist.
Freelance, back in 2008 or 2012. Generally I had really good years, but one in particular was just a series of bad clients in a row which lead to low income. I finally had 2 good clients in a row, and one was hourly for a few months. Given it was hourly, and they didn't put a cap on my hours, I dove in hard, working as long and as hard as possible. The goal was to get back in black; meaning, not in debt and profitable again. I've had to do this twice, but I remember that particular year I was exhausted and super depressed. But once the client work came in, I knew I had no choice; I had a wife who was a stay at home mom, and new kid so had no choice, but to grind my way out of the hole. Totally worth it. As always, I learned a lot, both in coding and in business. I also got a lot stricter with vetting clients, and requiring money down initially to start projects.
I don't. I get burnt out all the time. However, I've learned to notice the signs and realize "I'm not going to be able to code anymore today or for a few days", so just stop working and go to some other hobby to recharge. Also, while my sleep schedule has gotten way more strict, if for whatever reason it slips, I've also become extra sensitive to realize if I start getting burnt out, it's probably that and not to worry as it's "just sleep related" vs. overworking or something else like disengagement because I hate the project or whatever. Key for me to avoid getting burn out frequently: sleep, eat healthy/work out, have other hobbies readily available to take my mind off "work" or "work and fun", ensure the tech stack I'm working with I like, and ensure I dig my co-workers.
I would not advise people do what I do. I love coding, and prioritize it over my hobbies. Maybe it's a disorder like "workaholic", but... I love it, and sometimes just can't stop. I've just come to accept that after hours and hours of toiling away combined with normal life challenges (kids, bills, cleaning, etc) that I'll just get burned out eventually. That's fine as I've learned to recognize the signs and take a break. It pays off, for me at least, because I constantly am learning, feel like I'm improving my career, but only stay sad/depressed from burn out super short compared to years ago.
HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, XML, ajax, react js, WordPress, Magento, Shopify, Photoshop, Camtasia, SEO & learning new skills every moment 👨🏼💻 | I believe in learning and sharing with others 🛴
Freelance, back in 2008 or 2012. Generally I had really good years, but one in particular was just a series of bad clients in a row which lead to low income. I finally had 2 good clients in a row, and one was hourly for a few months. Given it was hourly, and they didn't put a cap on my hours, I dove in hard, working as long and as hard as possible. The goal was to get back in black; meaning, not in debt and profitable again. I've had to do this twice, but I remember that particular year I was exhausted and super depressed. But once the client work came in, I knew I had no choice; I had a wife who was a stay at home mom, and new kid so had no choice, but to grind my way out of the hole. Totally worth it. As always, I learned a lot, both in coding and in business. I also got a lot stricter with vetting clients, and requiring money down initially to start projects.
I don't. I get burnt out all the time. However, I've learned to notice the signs and realize "I'm not going to be able to code anymore today or for a few days", so just stop working and go to some other hobby to recharge. Also, while my sleep schedule has gotten way more strict, if for whatever reason it slips, I've also become extra sensitive to realize if I start getting burnt out, it's probably that and not to worry as it's "just sleep related" vs. overworking or something else like disengagement because I hate the project or whatever. Key for me to avoid getting burn out frequently: sleep, eat healthy/work out, have other hobbies readily available to take my mind off "work" or "work and fun", ensure the tech stack I'm working with I like, and ensure I dig my co-workers.
I would not advise people do what I do. I love coding, and prioritize it over my hobbies. Maybe it's a disorder like "workaholic", but... I love it, and sometimes just can't stop. I've just come to accept that after hours and hours of toiling away combined with normal life challenges (kids, bills, cleaning, etc) that I'll just get burned out eventually. That's fine as I've learned to recognize the signs and take a break. It pays off, for me at least, because I constantly am learning, feel like I'm improving my career, but only stay sad/depressed from burn out super short compared to years ago.
Interesting experience, thanks for sharing.
Hope you have enjoyed this journey :)