The Passion and Obsession of a Software Engineer

As a software engineer, I often find myself obsessed with my work—especially during weekends and vacations. But how does this obsession affect my personal life, and is there a healthy way to manage it?

Overcoming Work Obsession

While it's true that I won't let go of a problem until I've found a solution, I also recognize the importance of not letting work consume my entire life. Making it a habit to work during weekends can be detrimental to both my mental and physical well-being. I remind myself that while I might be a number to a company, I am much more than that in my personal life.

As a software engineer, I often dwell on work-related issues during my off-hours. This can be both a blessing and a curse. While it often leads to innovative solutions, it can also lead to burnout if I don’t find a balance. I force myself to take vacations seriously and not to reach for my laptop or phone, thus ensuring that I can switch off completely.

Collaborative Problem Solving

One of the most fascinating aspects of working in software engineering is the collaborative problem-solving that often takes place. For instance, during a 14-month project, my team would meet at a local bar every Friday to discuss and argue about the best ways to solve a problem. I would take notes and bring them back to the team in the form of detailed emails, which was incredibly effective.

I often find that solutions come through mulling over problems during my down time. Whether it's while I'm eating, pooping, peeing, or dancing, I've solved many of my work-related issues in these moments. It's a testament to the human brain's ability to solve complex problems when we take a break from work.

Holiday and Vacation Time

For my vacations and holidays, I make a point to completely detach from work. I don't take my laptop on holiday and ensure that my phone is out of reach. I actively avoid any form of work activity, and I don't even allow work calls to interrupt my relaxation. However, my passion for software engineering often makes it difficult to completely shut down. The underlying technologies and concepts of my work can still occupy my thoughts when I'm not working on a project directly.

When I take a break from work, I focus on other big life projects that fully occupy my mind. This could be anything from writing a novel to helping with community projects. By shifting my focus to these other areas, I can ensure that I'm not just thinking about work 24/7.

Remember, as a software engineer, it's important to strike a balance between your work and personal life. Overworking can lead to burnout and other health issues. So, while it's okay to indulge in your passion for problem-solving, make sure to take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance.