Once, I went to therapy, mainly so my mother could sleep better at night. Didn't really get too much out of it, but I remember when the therapist evaluated "how _______ made me feel", and they casually said "well, if it's [a] primal [emotion], it's valid", and that idea really stuck with me throughout the years. So it's not too hard for me to understand dat machismo appeal coming from putting in some serious hours for a project, especially if you're emotionally vested in it. I've been there, and it's arguably ingrained in us to promote the evolution of our species.

One of the first posts I ever made here was an #askhubski question titled "How Do You Balance Your Time?" or something like that. Basically the answer was "no", or "you don't/good luck/let us know when you figure that out". I think we're in a community of exceptionally driven people. Interpret that as will, it's good and bad, but generally good, imho.

Seriously though, best of luck finding that balance of lifestyle that makes you genuinely content with it all. Often I find that a big change, scary as though it may be, is refreshing enough to keep me feeling inspired and alive. I think that generally, everyone benefits from novel experiences more than most people acknowledge. Third shift at a gas station might be pretty formative, and that would bring some nice stories to Pubski, lulz.

And no need to worry about me. I'm living in a sort of academic analog to Harry Potter's world right now. Yeah, shit's rough, but (I think) I get to win in the end.