[softwaredoug]

Develop a life away from work.

Why is this important?

If your life is all work, you’ll lose perspective. Small work issues cause outsized emotional responses. You work extra hours to squeeze marginal improvements because work is your only activity and sole source of self worth.

With other activities (social, physical, intellectual) that engage you, you can deal with the many imperfections of your job more gracefully. You’ll laugh them off. You’ll be able to let go and not obsess over every little thing. It won’t stress you as much.

[jjice]

> Small work issues cause outsized emotional responses

Yeah, I'm going to have to get out more. I work remote in a city where I don't know anyone, so I spend a lot of time at home. Couple that with programming being my sense of self worth from a young age and having a PR get a handful of comments makes me anxious. Bad habit - I know.

[peakaboo]

Wise words. It took me a while to realize this myself but yes, don't put 100% of your self worth into the job. It will make you emotionally unstable.

[iman453]

How did you go about finding these other activities that truly engage you, if you don’t mind me asking.