Limiting your time on computer

Yesterday I met a computer programmer and we started discussing. I asked him how much time does he spend on computer and he replied about 12 to 18 hours a day and he is probably going to do that in the next years. I know programming requires time, dedication and effort but seriously how can you spend so much time in front of computer without having any social life, without spending some time outside relaxing and without having any friends .etc

So how do you manage your time, your social life and your work?

I work about 6-8 hours each week day. Other than that..it’s time spent with my wife, friends, reading, sleeping, etc..

I guess you just have to ask yourself what’s more important to you.. money or life

Not just social life but health/fitness passes away with imbalance time management (10+ continuous work hours means a disaster/inefficient productivity). My personal decision is to avoid ‘over commitments’ whatever may be it requires to sacrifice.

I’m quite lucky that my wife keeps an eye on me to generally stop me working stupidly long shifts like that, I used to initially to build up clientèle and portfolio but it wasn’t fun, it wasn’t sociable and it was very far from healthy.

ps: remember, you can’t eat money

I’m currently taking my last term for my Computer Science degree… So with 2 computer classes, 2 math classes, and working full time, I spend A LOT of time on the computer. For instance, I haven’t slept last night, 2 hours the night before, and 3 the night before that.

I cannot wait until I graduate and I join the “normal” world. I personally don’t care for the 9-5 schedule, since I work better at different times, however, having a balance with work and your social/personal life is VERY important. I don’t think I could do another term like this….

It also depends on the conditions as well. For instance, working 12 hours in a cubicle, not talking to anyone, compared to taking a notebook to a coffee shop, and taking a few breaks in between…

This is a big problem, but it’s inevitable.

I’m a developer and normally I spend at least 10 hours a day in front of a screen. When I’m developing a new project the hours can rise to 15 or 16 and it’s a lot of time.
After 12 hrs of consecutive coding my brain and eyes are fried

To limit the damages I force myself to go aout at least 1H in the afternoon and cycling once every 2 days. Is the minimum to keep from going crazy

RubenBristian said
I guess you just have to ask yourself what’s more important to you.. money or life

I think for everyone, life should be more important than money!

VF said
Not just social life but health/fitness passes away with imbalance time management (10+ continuous work hours means a disaster/inefficient productivity). My personal decision is to avoid ‘over commitments’ whatever may be it requires to sacrifice.

Exactly!

MSFX said
I’m quite lucky that my wife keeps an eye on me to generally stop me working stupidly long shifts like that, I used to initially to build up clientèle and portfolio but it wasn’t fun, it wasn’t sociable and it was very far from healthy. ps: remember, you can’t eat money

We try to make money, so in the future we can a have a better life but we totally forget that time is money.

lifwanian said
I’m currently taking my last term for my Computer Science degree… So with 2 computer classes, 2 math classes, and working full time, I spend A LOT of time on the computer. For instance, I haven’t slept last night, 2 hours the night before, and 3 the night before that. I cannot wait until I graduate and I join the “normal” world. I personally don’t care for the 9-5 schedule, since I work better at different times, however, having a balance with work and your social/personal life is VERY important. I don’t think I could do another term like this….

Good luck mate, hopefully you get more sleep and enjoy your free time!

LCweb said
This is a big problem, but it’s inevitable.

That is completely not true. It is very difficult for the brain to concentrate and unless you are a super human your brain can be productive for maximum 5-6 hours. So you just to have to make a balance between your work and social life.

Mirtt said

LCweb said
This is a big problem, but it’s inevitable.

That is completely not true. It is very difficult for the brain to concentrate and unless you are a super human your brain can be productive for maximum 5-6 hours. So you just to have to make a balance between your work and social life.

I agree, but if you have nothing better to do, is always a step forward to complete your project

LCweb said
I agree, but if you have nothing better to do, is always a step forward to complete your project

I think these particular scenarios are the culprits that initiates the habit of “looking just monitor” with the assumption of I am doing something useful. Relaxing also useful interesting part of life.