The real question isn't whether to work nights and weekends. It's when it makes sense to.
The questions I ask myself
Before putting in extra hours, I run through these:
- Is there a meaningful personal reward—reputation, financial, or otherwise—from working these hours?
- Do I have input in determining the pace, scope, or deadline of the work?
- Is the work itself inherently fulfilling?
- Am I learning a new skill or leveling up professionally?
- Will I be proud of the end result?
- Will there be time for recovery and celebration?
- What am I sacrificing? Am I at peace with these sacrifices?
If most answers are yes, the extra hours might be worth it. If most are no, I'm grinding for the sake of the grind.
The burnout pattern
The moments I flirted most with burnout were the times I was grinding for the sake of the grind: there was no new learning, no meaningful reward—the work itself was not worthy of the sacrifice.
What actually matters
Over the years I've learned to take better care of myself physically and mentally. This means, above all else, prioritizing mental and physical health. Sleeping, exercising, and eating well create the best foundation for doing deep and meaningful work.
The honest check-in
In tech, it's common to hear people say "things are crazy" or "it's so busy" when you ask how they're doing. I'm guilty of saying these things too.
But I've started appending a few words: "...but I'm having so much fun."
If I find myself struggling to be honest about the "fun" part for too long, I know I'm lying to myself and it's time to recalibrate my priorities.
Work nights and weekends when it's meaningful, when you're learning, when you're building something you're proud of. Not because someone else decided you should.