> It didn't help that I was rewarded with more money, more respect, and more decision making power. I was even rewarded with more knowledge than everyone else -- you learn a lot working 12 hours a day. And if you screw something up you have plenty of time to fix it
I was only able to reflect on these things after "making it". I feel comfortable financially and confident that I'll get work for the rest of my life, if I need it.
There was a cost though. Like a greek tragedy of sorts.
It cost me my health. I don't get to enjoy the spoils of "victory" as much as I would have when I felt healthy. Health is now a factor to consider daily and, in my case, it's directly attributed to the insane amount of myself that I put into the work.
Another cost was missing out on precious time with my wife and child. That one really sucks. No undoing that one.
I still love coding, learning new stuff and occasionally burning the candle, but I'll never again make it my god.