I would like to be able to do that - I have such a long list of things I want to learn and do - but I can't just turn off my work brain at 4pm. I get sucked in by interesting problems. Low level optimization? They pay me for 9-5, but you can bet I'll be thinking about it over the weekend, maybe code up a potential solution.
I used to think less about people who check out at 5pm - how can you just leave and not give a shit that the code is a mess? - but as I grew older, I understood that they don't associate their self-worth with work. Their value system is different, and it's got benefits, like better mental health.
> I used to think less about people who check out at 5pm - how can you just leave and not give a shit that the code is a mess?
As someone who checks out at 5pm, I think you're looking at it from the wrong POV.
The main thing that drives me is the projects I work on in my spare time. I care that _that_ code is a mess. So, I might do a bit of work on that in the morning, but then start my actual paying job at e.g. 8am.
So how can I just leave my hobby project and not give a shit that the code is a mess? Because I get paid to do so, I have to work on whatever my boss wants me to work on because that's my job -- but as soon as 5pm hits I get to think about the stuff I really care about again.
I used to think less about people who check out at 5pm - how can you just leave and not give a shit that the code is a mess? - but as I grew older, I understood that they don't associate their self-worth with work. Their value system is different, and it's got benefits, like better mental health.