We developers have the common issue of managing work-life balance. Being an experienced developer, I have the following things to say
Success, people praising you... it goes away
Don't try to be a hero developer. Yes, there are certain perks of being one but as this point title says... it all goes away and you will end up with everybody expecting you to complete their task they have given to you because they think you would do it. And you have to do it for your image because you have built it like this. Learn to say NO. If you are a good developer and there are 100 percent chances that you will get more work as people will think that you can do this even if there is another ordinary developer is available. We have to make everyone understand that yes, I am a good developer but I will not do everything everyone asks because I have a life. It becomes a very big problem when it becomes a routine and when you realize it, it's late... Now you will think if you start saying NO then people will judge you and yes...people will. That's why I ask beginners to manage their work-life balance from the start.
Choose the target audience wisely
Sometimes you work hard for something but don't get enough responses and praise and it demoralizes you. The problem is you are showcasing your ability to the wrong target audience. Think about your audience first. e.g. your organization might not give you enough attention to your innovation but on dev.to if you share it effectively, you will get responses, suggestions and other innovative friends
You're earning for yourself and your family
We have to remind ourselves that we are earning for ourselves so give time to yourself and your loved ones. Extra hours spent on work may pay you more but it's not worth more than spending time with your loved ones. Nobody except you will remember the sleepless nights that you spent on work.
Yes, developer life also gets boring
At some point, developer life also becomes boring so enjoy it. Make friends at your workplace, chit chat, gossip, take breaks, and go on a trip. Do whatever that makes you happy to stay away from a boring life.
You can overcome Imposter syndrome and Depression but it's better not to fall into it
Everybody from beginner to experienced people feels that they don't have enough knowledge sometimes. The developer communities really help in this case. You can share your knowledge and you will find that your knowledge is helping others and you will also get a deeper knowledge of things that you follow which keeps up your interest. Spending some time in a related community is really worthwhile.
At last, as these lines from the climb song say
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
It's all about the journey. I am not saying destination doesn't matter, it does but so does the journey. Don't rush, enjoy it which will eventually make your life easy and joyful but If you don't have life, you don't have to worry about WLB.
Top comments (18)
At my worst I had 3 jobs at the same time for 2 years. I did not know what to do with my life.
Work is an endless task. You can change jobs, you can go to the other side of the world and basically it will be the same.
Your life, your time, that is much more important. Enjoy the day to day and if you are accompanied it is better
Thanks for this shout.
I've changed my mind recently. I used to be a hero. Now I'm still a hero, but only in working hours. People around learnt how to prioritize their requests.
Sad part is that I've spent so many unpaid extra hours before, thinking it's a norm.
Good part, eventually you realize, that's not right.
Happy for you Ivan
I hope this post can help some developers to open the eyes.
I also think that this also depends on the culture, perhaps.
I must disagree with the very first sentence of this post: "We developers have the common issue of managing work-life balance". I've been developer for around 20 years and I never had this issue. I always knew that, above being a developer, I'm a person. Which means that I have life outside work and, therefore, my life must be respected. During all these 20 years of experience and working for multiple companies I'd say that only 1 or 2 of my dev colleagues had problems with work-life balance. So, I guess it's very related with the culture.
I would also add to devs who have this problem:
agree with you
Great suggestions Maulik! I feel like learning that work life balance can be hard for some devs, but so so necessary to avoid burn out.
Thank you, Brian. You are absolutely correct.
I dont need a life, I need a job :´(
Good luck
Keep working hard :D
You will surely get a good job Fernando. Best of luck. 🙂
Thanks Maulik. You're right. Sometimes I worked on many projects at the same time. But I feel I have not a time for my family.
That's my developer life, my time. And that's the journey. So I will do whatever happy for enjoy it.
Great post. Work is work. Sometimes it's awesome. Othertimes, less so.
Don't get burnt out. Developer burnout is real:
Developer burnout is real
Daragh Byrne ・ Oct 17 '18 ・ 2 min read
Might have misinterpreted that last piece of advice you gave there...
from Imgflip Meme GeneratorThank you Maulik! Nice POV! Don't forget to never end learning, but learn smart.
Gossip?! 😮 Oh my! ðŸ¤ðŸ˜‚
Good points!
Thanks Jacob :D
Thank you for your post, Maulik. I sometimes remind myself to spend time for myself and my family
I am glad that you liked it. Thanks Phong.