While this kind of intensity makes sense for founders, especially those deeply invested in their own vision, but it's worth saying out loud that if you're not a principal founder and you're trying to keep up with this kind of work ethic, you should seriously reconsider.
For a long time, I wore being a workaholic like it was a badge of honor. As a solo dev (or working with a very small team), my daily grind often ran 15 to 17 hours. And honestly? It didn’t feel like work, because I was fueled by passion and a clear vision. That drive can be powerful.
But over time, even passion has limits. Mental fatigue creeps in. Burnout follows. What I learned, too late, frankly, is that sustainable output isn’t about how long you can code. It’s about how well you can recover.
I still work long hours, but now I deliberately break that intensity. I’ll do 10 hours of focused top-priority work and spend the rest on creative pursuits like writing, or on valuable family time. For me, that contrast has become essential and healthier. A work-life harmony, and I think that’s closer to what folks like Lucy Guo are describing.
If you're not a founder or equity stakeholder, and you’re pushing long hours for salary and loyalty alone, it’s worth asking: Is this really your mission? Because if it’s not, the cost, mentally and physically, adds up fast.
Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps someone who’s grinding hard right now.
Curious to hear how others are navigating this. What’s been your experience?
> Curious to hear how others are navigating this. What’s been your experience?
Nothing you do matters. It will all be irrelevant in as little as two years. Don't waste your life on technology when it's someone else's project.
You're saying you work flat out for 10 hours a day,then go home and work on hobbies?
This is wild to me
What’s even wilder is that I used to work from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ,not every single day, but often enough, especially when chasing tight deadlines. For years I had no hobbies, just work.
Recently, I changed mindset and spend evenings writing or doing something creative, and surprisingly, it gives me energy instead of draining it.
I’m not claiming this is healthy, it’s just what works for me. I’ve been fortunate to have strong support at home, especially from my wife.
My main point is unless you have real ownership or upside, adopting this kind of work ethic can be a trap. Passion is great, but burnout is real.
I plan to start turning some of these reflections into a personal YouTube project. Simply to share honest stories in case they help someone else who's caught in the grind.
Thanks for the comment.