How to Balance Work and Life as a Software Developer

Are you struggling to balance work and life as a software developer?

Getting a job as a software developer can feel like a dream come true for many. It can be a grueling but also rewarding job. The problem is finding a way to balance work and life commitments without going crazy.

Hustle culture does affect not only office mates but also the individual. Setting high standards can leave you prone to burnout and procrastination. While you may need to put hours in to get a project done fast, overworking can do more harm than good.

So, how do you balance your career and life without sacrificing your outputs? Read on to find out how to find the right work-life balance as a developer.

Take Mental Health Breaks

Many people will work late into the night to meet a deadline. They won’t sleep or eat well, and their mental health will suffer. Lack of sleep will often lead to feeling tired, depressed, and generally burned out.

These feelings can impact everyone, from a rookie to a veteran. Personal issues that pop up in life can add further stress. With everything piling up all at once, you might feel like you’re at a breaking point.

For many people, the first reaction is to want to give up and quit. They question if software development is even right for them.

This is normal when you’ve pushed yourself too hard. Take a step back, and take mental health breaks often. Don’t keep throwing yourself into consecutive megaprojects with high-paced deadlines.

Talk to your coworkers and company if you work for one. If they don’t understand, you’re better off working for someone who does. Your skills are valuable, but there’s no reason your mental health needs to suffer.

Many developers consider working for themselves. This lets them control their schedules and pace of projects more. Whichever you choose, remember that it’s ok to need a break from the non-stop coding grind.

Don’t Neglect Your Relationships

Landing a software developer job doesn’t mean you have to neglect your relationships. It’s true your job might put you in front of your computer for many hours at a time. Many can get absorbed and even obsessed with the project their currently working on.

Leaving your work at the office is a piece of advice that’s often repeated. The problem is that it doesn’t work for everyone, and many have to work while at home out of necessity. For some of these people, it can feel like they’ve lost themselves to their work.

Don’t let this happen to you. It’s good to be passionate about your work and strive for excellence, but not at the expense of those you care about. Take time away from your work.

Go to family dinners. Watch your children’s or nephew’s/niece’s baseball game. Take your partner out on a date night or spend time with those you love.
These people surround you and give you the energy to keep going.

They’ll be there when life gets difficult and when the stress piles up. Becoming a workaholic can push them away and leave you by yourself.

If you don’t have to bring your work home, don’t. Try to schedule around important family events so you never miss them. Most importantly, take time out of your day to be with your loved ones.

Your relationships are precious, so keep them strong.

Figure Out a Level of Flexibility That Works

One of the benefits but also pitfalls of software development is flexibility. You can work from almost anywhere, so you don’t always need to drag yourself into a physical office. This is a double-edged sword.

It means that your work hours and work schedule can look hectic. The key to a proper work-life balance is the consistency to go along with that flexibility.
You need to figure out a level of flexibility that works for you and stick to it.

Work a set number of hours on particular days, and have consistent start and stop times. You can’t control when life interrupts you, but you still need a plan to follow.

If you need to come into the office or during work hours, try to set a strict work schedule. Leaving your work at the office can make a huge difference.

If you must do some work at home, try to plan it in advance. Try not to pull all-nighters or shut yourself in your room until you’re done. You need a schedule you and those around you can follow, leaving room for sudden changes.

For example, dedicate a day each week to catch up on work you’re behind on and set actual work hours for it. Something like every Saturday from 9-4 would work. If you need the time, you can use it, and if not, you can take your family to the park or do some much-needed self-care.

Work on Side Projects That Interest You

It’s crucial to maintain hobbies outside of work that interest you. This is vital to a healthy work-life balance. Some people game or play an instrument, or play sports.

Others use their skills for projects they enjoy and have fun with. It might feel counterintuitive to code on your downtime, but some treat it like a game. They mess around with a new language or work on a “for fun” collaboration with their friends.

You can have a blast when you do something you enjoy without the stress of deadlines, payment, or expectations. Many can also learn something new, which might come in handy. The key is to find something personal that you enjoy doing, regardless of what it is.

A Simple Guide for How To Balance Work And Life

Knowing how to balance work and life is straightforward. You need to take time off for yourself and your own mental health. Learn to set boundaries between your personal life and work, and never neglect your relationships.

The final bit of advice is to pursue things you’re passionate about and have a life outside of work. If you check us out at The Mad Dev, you’ll realize you aren’t alone in wanting the best for yourself as a developer. Check out our personal development blog to see how you better grow as a person and a worker.