[lafar6503]

But what to do if you really love what you do and can achieve really good results in your work, better than anyone else? It's a source of pride and recognition, no wonder it becomes part of your identity. Now imagine working out instead -everyone can do that, you won't achieve anything interesting this way. Same with bike riding or hobby woodworking - want some results you have to work long hours for that. No point in feeling guilty because you love your job, just don't neglect other responsibilities in life.

[doytch]

Yeah, I identify with that. It makes it harder that’s for sure.

The article linked to one of the author’s other articles which talked about how even if you love it, you start to be fueled by different energy.

> After working at high intensity for more than 90 minutes, we begin to draw on these emergency reserves to keep us going. In the process, we move from parasympathetic to a sympathetic arousal — a physiological state more commonly known as “fight or flight.”

> One consequence of relying on stress hormones for energy is that the prefrontal cortex begins to shut down. We become more reactive and less capable of thinking clearly and reflectively, or seeing the big picture.

I recognize that. Ive also noticed those stress hormones coming more often outside of work and affecting the rest of my life.

[Justsignedup]

Add in children and you have yourself a time sink. And the big thing is children are wonderful as long as you can live to enjoy them rather than live to handle them as an obligation.

[dogleash]

You're rationalizing. You don't think anyone gets into the position in the article without rationalizing do you? A huge chunk of the article was spent on rationalization.

[demondemidi]

What part of the article was trying to make you feel guilty?

[vonwoodson]

You really think that you can do anything "better than anyone else"? Also, what is your basis of comparison for "you won't achieve anything interesting"? You have to have a very small world view to believe either of these; in the large scale we don't know what's important or what others are capable of.

Twiddling your thumbs may be the most important task in the universe, we simply do not know.

[JohnFen]

I think that what you do is work in the way that is best for you and brings you the most happiness and fulfillment.

The article isn't saying that you shouldn't, or can't, work as you prefer. It's pointing out that work culture, particularly in the US, strongly pressures people to give up as much as possible for the workplace, and that's not a good thing.

[johnchristopher]

Well, see you in a few years in the comment section of another article about burn out :) ? Kidding aside, good for you if it works and keep working.