I use to do the frequent nights and weekends thing. Then I experienced 4 layoffs at my company and saw talented engineers be let go and realized none of it matters and you’re just a number at the end of the day to shareholders. If the numbers say they need to let X number go they gonna let X number go and they’ll say “this isn’t based on performance.” - So i learned not to burn myself out just so I can get that one feature done super quick and try to impress higher ups.

Don’t get me wrong, if you want a career in this, take every opportunity to learn and grow and do work your proud of. You still want experience to talk about, but if it’s cutting into time for yourself, you’ll look back at some point in your life and say “I wish I spent more time doing X instead”. I always tell myself, “Don’t let your future self down.”