I’ve seen my share of programmers who showed off all-nighters and productive weekends, only to realize they compensate but not actually working productively their entire 40 hours, not even half. Programming is not a race, it’s a marathon.
My issue with the 40 hours is the constant interruptions with meetings, co-workers asking questions, shifting priorities, etc.
When pulling an all-nighter or weekend, all of that stuff goes away.
It’s been a long time since I pulled and all-nighter or weekend, but I’ve been thinking about it just so I can feel like I finished something. If I could get actual heads down time during my 40 hours, I’d much prefer to use that time.
I’m too burned out from the 40 hours of BS. When I have a couple weeks off I usually get inspired to start a side project. I get started, then in quickly dies once I start back up at work. I hardly touch my personal computer anymore.
