> Work 8-5

> Study for work 5-8

That’s not normal. If you’re doing this, you’re actually working 8-8. This schedule can work for a short periods and special occasions, but it shouldn’t be your norm.

This can usually be fixed by improving your efficiency at work: Get down to business quickly and limit time spent browsing the internet and other non-work activities. Consolidate work to normal working hours, save the leisure for later.

> Gym 8-10

Also not normal or even necessary. A 30-minute gym trip is more than sufficient to stay in great shape. You can also go 2-3 times a week instead of 7 days a week.

Spending 10-14 hours at the gym every week is an extreme outlier of exercise.

I am very, very bored with my life. I am not even remotely interested in anything I have done for the past 10 years. I can't imagine it getting better without moving "up". Which I have done, but I also didn't start in tech, nor do I have a degree (in comp sci, I have other ones). To stay "architect level" at a competitive company (not even close to FAANG), I will need to learn a language and pass an AWS architect exam in Q1. Both are very doable and stuff I have done before, but 3 hours barely gets me through a couple of algo problems in the new lang.

I a 1000 times agree that I could be more efficient at work - I think it's a cycle of burning out and then being slow. I want to stress this - I am looking for ways to be more efficient at work. I know I could be more productive during, rather than doing a bunch of OT. And as Sun Tzu said - no one wins from a prolonged conflict - better to do things quickly than drawing them out and getting tired without result.

Like marginalia_nu and hpsquared said, 30 mins isn't anywhere near enough. On my off days, I walk or run at least 45 minutes. On gym days, optimally - 10 min dress and drive, 15 mins warm up, 30-45 mins main lifts, 15 mins stretch, 15 mins skill work, drive home, shower, notes. This is what's needed for me to stay in shape. Also, when I work out this much, 8 hours is barely enough in terms of sleep, and then my diet has to be on point or I start being tired all the time. Not working out has the additional (short term) benefit of needing less food and sleep.

30 minutes is basically a single working set if you include travel, warm-up, shower, travel back home.

I'm assuming the gym time includes thing such as travelling to the gym, showering, unpacking the gym bag, etc. I usually spend about 60-90 minutes in the gym a few times a week, but from the time I leave my front door and arrive back home, the clock has never advanced less than 2 hours.

On the gym front, it probably includes the 30-40 minutes before and after the actual exercise (travel to/from, changing clothes, spa, shower, food, etc.).

Studying for work is work! You should count it that way.

If you're not, you're harming not just yourself but, in the long run, your employer (who won't understand what they're asking of people) and your other coworkers (who feel pressure to meet your standard).

Sounds like he'll on earth indeed. Definitely something I could maintain more than a very short period.