I'm glad Paul wrote this. The work culture in Silicon Valley can be invigorating; but at the same time, it can be poisonous, especially for someone who is naturally inclined to be work-obsessed.
I left 5 years ago, and I'm so glad I did. It's enabled me to think to myself, away from the noise, and at the same time stay in touch with the "real" world, whom, eventually you're really working for anyway.
With all of the opportunities to do things, it can be hard to see that if you just chose to do fewer things, you could be better at the things that you did decide to do. Also, that if you take some time to relax, the quality of your work can be enhanced.
I left 5 years ago, and I'm so glad I did. It's enabled me to think to myself, away from the noise, and at the same time stay in touch with the "real" world, whom, eventually you're really working for anyway.
With all of the opportunities to do things, it can be hard to see that if you just chose to do fewer things, you could be better at the things that you did decide to do. Also, that if you take some time to relax, the quality of your work can be enhanced.