DEV Community

Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

Tips for Work Life Balance

In this episode Scott and Wes talk about work life balance. These tips aren’t hard-and-fast - part of the beauty of being a web developer is that you do get to enjoy some flexibility. Work is a big part of our live and these are tips that will hopefully allow you to get the most enjoyment out of both work and life.

Freshbooks - Sponsor

Get a 30 day free trial of Freshbooks at freshbooks.com/syntax and put SYNTAX in the “How did you hear about us?” section.

Sentry - Sponsor

If you want to know what’s happening with your errors, track them with Sentry. Sentry is open-source error tracking that helps developers monitor and fix crashes in real time. Cut your time on error resolution from five hours to five minutes. It works with any language and integrates with dozens of other services. Syntax listeners can get two months for free by visiting Sentry.io and using the coupon code “tastytreat”.

Show Notes

8:06 - Know when you work best

  • The 9-5 isn’t for everyone - you know when you work best, so use that to your advantage

9:39 - Work when it’s time to work, life when it’s time to life

  • Don’t do laundry during work time

11:08 - Make it clear to family members when you are working

  • Wishy-washy in-between can cause tension - are you working? Can I interrupt you?
  • Working after hours
  • Text if you need me

14:34 - Have a defined space for work

  • If I bring my laptop downstairs, I don’t bring a charger
  • Clean yo nasty desk space
  • It’s a mental shift when you sit down - “okay now I am working”

21:14 - Know how to “zone it”

  • Headphones
    • Music or podcasts
  • Block all distractions
  • Close email
  • Pay attention to what gets you there, when it stops working, change it up

24:46 - Keep hobbies

  • Away from screens
  • Physical or relaxing or both

26:37 - Exercise

  • Good for mind and body
  • Huge gains long term and short term

27:31 - Prioritize your to-do list

  • One reason many people over-work is that they feel they have too much to do
  • Add items to your to-do list when they pop into your head - out of your head, into your system

31:28 - Walk away from difficult problems

  • Your brain will chew on problems as time goes on and help you solve them
  • Literally take a walk outside

34:04 - Meetups, conferences or tutorials

  • Reinvigorate your hunger for coding and make you happier both at home and work
  • Easy to get burned out from working too much (or not paying enough attention to your work)
Links ××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ××× Shameless Plugs Tweet us your tasty treats!

Episode source