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by ptsneves 224 days ago
I had the same issue and now I have a much calmer job I can actually be a stabilising force home.

I crave for my side projects and as soon as I get invested and want to pump code and deliver I notice myself being irritable and a piece of crap person. Since I became aware of it I just stop my side projects as soon as I notice it. I am sadly resigned that I am unable to accomplish everything I want. I am relaxed and happy in everything else though.

There is no trick, but a choice: one’s family or ideas of accomplishment. I wish I could do better but I feel much happier when my family is happy then when I accomplish my technical goals mostly small things in the big picture.

Another important point is that obsessive energy was profitable and now I can live slower without much financial limitation for all our family.

2 comments

That’s quite satisfying to read actually, thank you for sharing this perspective.

I share some similarities in my previous post about balance and who’s kid your raising basically a ceo’s one or your own

What was the nature of the change of job that brought you more stability?
I changed mostly to an engineering support role and less of a development role, in an area I find myself very proficient at, maybe even slightly overqualified.

The company has someone who can rely on when a customer needs help (although I never had to be on-call, I am flexible with timezones), and I often can deliver as it is inside my experience. When it does not work out my company has my back and is respectful of family life.

Thanks amazing! So nice to read this worked out for you