how do you handle how much you work?
 

How do you handle how much you work?

I've realized that at this point i'm coding sometimes 12-14 hours a day. Outside my gf (which im not getting along with very well right now) I have very little social life. I'm starting to get very stressed out because any time I'm at home, I'm on the computer thus working or on-call to fix problems or answer questions. I sit day in day out in this apartment in near silence with no other noise then my fingers clicking the keyboard.

listen to some music, and cut back on the weekends.

i have a similar lifestyle but ore my issue is dealing with disturbances around me. I cherish the days that the GF works as far as my work goes... But like today, its very hard for me to focus, especially for prolonged periods...

Trying to make it so i can take it easy when im older though :thumbsup

That seems counter-productive. Squander your youth so you can be comfortable when you're old and feeble?

I don't work enough. This week has been better though, hopefully I can keep the pace up

I used to work all hours, and day and all night but then figured I actually work better just working fixed hours & getting some rest & spending time away from the pc. Now I just work more as and when I need to, but usually work some sort of business hours. Seems to work better :) xx

hollyshit I thought I was the only one sitting in front of my computer day in n out.....

All I do is work, but I'm 1 room away from my girlfriend and daughter, and anytime she comes into the room to tell me shes either going for a walk to the store, or needs an errand done, I go, helps me get away. But as long as I'm at home, instead of sitting and watching TV, I would rather work.

I work about 14-16 a day. . . and it gets really stressful sometimes. But I always have some music playing, and my dogs keep me good company and relaxation. I'm also married, but my wife supports my hard work. . so that makes it a lot easier.

I used to work non stop. Life suffered, loved ones became distant, and I burnt myself out. Thought if I slowed down I would make less money and progress less. I eventually worked myself sick and had to take a break. From then on I decided to pretty much keep to work hours that I set. I may break these on occasion but typically I now will only work for 8-10 hours a day - that's it. I also take at least a day off each week if not two days off. On top of that I start my work days with a routine, I make some tea (was coffee), make my lunch, have breakfast and then go to work on the computer. I take a lunch break (eat prepared meal) and wrap up around 6 to 7. I get more done than before, am rested usually, and my relationships etc are better. I also really feel going through the process of making my lunch etc. really sets the mood and tells my body and brain that today is indeed a work day.

take a day off and relax your mind once in a while

fuckin lol. I have two dogs that keep me company oh yea and a wife too. :1orglaugh

It's always a struggle, but you have to force yourself to take at least one day off a week and limit your hours at the machine. And figure out if what you're doing is worth it.

I'm not someone who "recharges" by socializing so it's an extra challenge to actually get out of the house, get fresh air, etc. so things like making appointments for massage helps my body and feels good enough -- without requiring any effort on my part except to wash my ass beforehand -- that I look forward to it instead of dreading some boring, draining social situation. Figure out things you really enjoy doing that are easy (and cheap, if you need them to be), make a list of them, remind yourself that doing those things is JUSTIFIABLE/good for you and your work, tack it up above your monitor, and promise yourself to do one of those things every day. Taking time off makes you so much more productive and efficient when you are working that it justifies itself. Also, any effort you make is good, even if you just force yourself to go outside and jump rope for five minutes.

If you're not a very social person I think it's easier sometimes to tell people you're working than it is to say, "I'm taking time a day off but I don't want to spend it interacting with you/listening to your idle chatter". I think people are suspicious of people who choose to spend time alone so you have to be really firm in explaining to friends/family/partners that you're taking time off by yourself. I don't think I'm the only one who sometimes chooses to work because I feel guilty about taking time to myself to do the things I like to do by myself.

When $ go down I do more when $ go up I go out more...

I still work in an office but sooner I'll move to work at home. Still thinking what will be the outcome of me working home with family around. Especially kids (cousins and nieces) who keeps visiting my room every now and then.

I am home all the time, doing cam shows, researching things in the cam world, and pretty much confined to my bedroom there is times where I just order take out and forget I even have a kitchen.

You really have to set a schedule for things, if your wrapped up in your work too much life just really passes you by.

I am hoping when I start school it should wiht some balance of gettin me out of the house on non work level.

shit I used to wake with a laptop in my hands and fall asleep with it. 10 years later, 2 kids and a soon to be wife.. I now only "work" when she is at work.. and check on things during the night and take weekends off.

I also take days off here and there and just try to make up for it.

this month I took on someones workload on top of mine as a favor and the money for xmas so I can spoil the family :)

I did the same at the beginning, changed, and pretty much do this now.

For two years I was working 7 days a week, 18 hour days. My health suffered a number of ways because of it. However, once things started really cranking, I cut back. I even pushed new projects off (which is why I have things backed up now), and cut hours down to 8-10.

I stopped eating at my computer. Took weekends partially off. Made time to get out of the house, even if to the mall. Made sure I took a break away from the computer at a minimum of half hour every few hours. Middle of the day nap, workout, jetski.

Oh... and I also switched things up to be more seasonal. For example, during the colder months when I am trapped inside. I work more, and handle a lot more shit. In the summer, I spend less time launching new projects, working, whatever. I make the most of the winter months. In the summer, I get out an enjoy life.

It's hard to find balance especially when you're driven.

Over the years I have also worked myself sick a few times and ruined a few relationships in the process. That was years ago and luckily since then I've learned. Now I try to break up my days at least 3 times a week and will cut out for a couple hours in the afternoon and hit the gym. I just started playing golf and that's been a good excuse to get away from work.

It's a challenge but if you don't take care of yourself you'll have nothing left to offer anyone else. Your business may succeed but you'll be unhappy and your quality of life will suffer and once that happens what's the point of all the hard work?. :2 cents: