I think this post makes a strong argument for the industry accepting more of us as external contributors, or with incredibly flexible work schedules.
I don't mind inheriting other people's problems, and I don't mind coming into the office - I find it's helpful to swim with the school, so to speak - but sometimes I can better solve a problem out on a good bike ride or will have an epiphany about team dynamics while playing basketball, and after that, the next hour of work is worth more than two weeks of sitting around.
It's difficult to quantify, it's difficult not to get lazy, and when you _fail_ to achieve your goals, people feel better if they watched you toil. I think it's human nature.
Of course, he still tried to pursue them in his spare time but then he just didn't have enough time to do them as much or as well as he wanted.
Is this really burnout though? I ask because I relate to much of this situation, but I actually love my job, my company, and my coworkers. It's very interesting and I am very happy working. I just wish there were more time because there are still other things I would like to work on and I'm only getting older.