Relentless driving is one of the things I feel the software industry has really done themselves a disservice in the long run. I know of several engineers who went on Adderall because their performance (relative to their peers) wasn't high enough. With the help of Adderall they were able to get to a similar level. Then that raises the "average" which leads to more people having to turn to heavy stimulants just to keep their jobs.
PMs and other management may feel like this is a win in the short term, but it isn't sustainable long term. The sheer number of software engineers who face burnout and/or have to take long multi-month sabbaticals to recover is shocking when compared to other industries where it's largely unheard of. Of course income is a factor (most other industries people don't make enough to allow them to take months off) but I don't think that explains all of it. I don't have any data to back this up beyond my own experience working in different industries, so take with a heap of salt.
After so many years of this, it catches up to you. The difficulty performing is (sometimes, not always) a natural sign that your mind is overworked and needs a break. Regularly pushing through that and even using medication to help you is not consequence free. It's not just your mind that breaks down but also your body (especially adrenals). You can't handle unhealthy levels of drive and stress in perpetuity.
Take care of your self and remember that long after the company has forgotten you, you're still tied to your mind and body. Take care of those things as IMHO they are the most valuable possessions you have.
PMs and other management may feel like this is a win in the short term, but it isn't sustainable long term. The sheer number of software engineers who face burnout and/or have to take long multi-month sabbaticals to recover is shocking when compared to other industries where it's largely unheard of. Of course income is a factor (most other industries people don't make enough to allow them to take months off) but I don't think that explains all of it. I don't have any data to back this up beyond my own experience working in different industries, so take with a heap of salt.
After so many years of this, it catches up to you. The difficulty performing is (sometimes, not always) a natural sign that your mind is overworked and needs a break. Regularly pushing through that and even using medication to help you is not consequence free. It's not just your mind that breaks down but also your body (especially adrenals). You can't handle unhealthy levels of drive and stress in perpetuity.
Take care of your self and remember that long after the company has forgotten you, you're still tied to your mind and body. Take care of those things as IMHO they are the most valuable possessions you have.