Lately work has been taking up most of my time. Thankfully I enjoy what I do, most of the time. For anyone that doesn't know I am a PHP and MySQL engineer. Say what? Just a fancy way to say I am a Web Developer, or a Web Programmer.
One great thing about my occupation is there is no need to be in a specific location to do work. Everything is done with computers, and therefore you can be anywhere as long as you have internet access. This also provides plenty of opportunities for side work, which is a great thing and a horrible thing all at the same time :)
I really do appreciate the ability to do side work. It gives me extra spending money every month which is always a good thing, especially when both of your cars break in a month, or your dog needs a few hundred dollars worth of attention because he has allergies and lime disease. Those things always seem to happen around the same time, so side work is great. It also drains free time though, which is a major pain. I love relaxing, seriously. Have you ever seen Office Space? If not, come out from under your rock, but if you have that would so be me if I didn't have to work. Sleeping and relaxing constantly.
Not only does it cut down on my personal free time, but it also cuts into quality time I get to spend with my wife. She will let you know that I still play too many video games, even though I don't play nearly as much as I did even a few months ago.... I digress.
One thing I would never let it come in the way of is my time with Emily. Everyday when I get home I hang out with Emily until she goes to sleep, which is currently around 7 so its only an hour and a half at most per day, but I cherish that time, and I know she does too.
Anyway, what I am trying to say is there is definitely a fine line on the work life balance, I have always preferred to be more on the life side, but with more benefits (house, family, etc...) comes more responsibility...