Without your health you cannot do work therefore health must come first.
Most of the hackers/programmers I know lack a mind-body connection. They live in their minds and are wired to their computers. Many forget that they even have a body--for hours, weeks, months. This can have disastrous consequences later in life.
They are practising "deprivation chic"--they get a feeling of satisfaction out of self-deprivation. Because it hurts they think they must be doing the right thing.
<http://nymag.com/news/features/48887/>;
As a 27-year-old entrepreneur and cancer survivor, I can tell you that deprivation chic is just stupid. The long-term sacrifice of one's health is never acceptable.
It is possible to find a work-life balance. But many people get a sense of validation from working for work's sake. It's easier for many to program and blog and run a business than it is for them to cultivate personal relationships, exercise, and enjoy recreation. "The Business" is a great excuse to validate an imbalanced life.
That said, it's possible to be productive and successful without sacrificing health and recreation and personal relationships. It just takes a bit more creativity.
Most of the hackers/programmers I know lack a mind-body connection. They live in their minds and are wired to their computers. Many forget that they even have a body--for hours, weeks, months. This can have disastrous consequences later in life.
They are practising "deprivation chic"--they get a feeling of satisfaction out of self-deprivation. Because it hurts they think they must be doing the right thing. <http://nymag.com/news/features/48887/>;
As a 27-year-old entrepreneur and cancer survivor, I can tell you that deprivation chic is just stupid. The long-term sacrifice of one's health is never acceptable.
It is possible to find a work-life balance. But many people get a sense of validation from working for work's sake. It's easier for many to program and blog and run a business than it is for them to cultivate personal relationships, exercise, and enjoy recreation. "The Business" is a great excuse to validate an imbalanced life.
That said, it's possible to be productive and successful without sacrificing health and recreation and personal relationships. It just takes a bit more creativity.