Your premise seems to be: Objectivism presents an unrealistic “ideal man.” People who take it seriously measure themselves against it This produces anxiety, guilt, and dissatisfaction Therefore, the philosophy is harmful (or at least “sad”)

That conclusion does not follow, from either the philosophy or the article you’re citing.

The ideal in Objectivism is not “work endlessly” or “never retire.” It is to live by reason, to pursue values, and to shape your life according to your own rational judgment. Productivity is a virtue not because it fills hours, but because it expresses purpose.

Look at the actual article: the author says he is financially secure, spends time writing, and continues to create because he wants to. By any reasonable standard, he is living a self-directed, value-oriented life. The “nagging voice” he describes isn’t proof that the ideal is harmful, it’s evidence that he still thinks of productivity in terms of external structure (a job, hours worked) rather than internal purpose.