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Ask HN: How can you stand sitting at computers all day?

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Re: Ask HN: How can you stand sitting at computers all day?

#2
Easy. I don't sit at a computer all day.

Personally, I find I'm a better coder when I get up and move around on a regular basis. I'll work for an hour or two, then go for a walk. Come back, work for another hour or two, go get some coffee from the coffee shop on the other end of campus. Rinse and repeat. Often times I'll be able to work out a problem or have a great idea while I'm walking.

There's this idea that to be a coder you have to be in front of a computer every waking moment, but the most successful programmers and engineers I know are the ones who know when to step away, who leave the work at work, and take care of themselves physically and emotionally. Otherwise, you're right, it's not sustainable at all.

Re: Ask HN: How can you stand sitting at computers all day?

#4
> This is not social and not fun.

Although, I agree there are more things to life than sitting at computers all day, I suspect the elt0n is an extrovert who doesn't get introversion.

for instance, if I were to also read books, listen to music and take long walks all by myself, it still would not fit in with elt0n's view of what humans are 'meant' to do.

Re: Ask HN: How can you stand sitting at computers all day?

#5
Personally: I'm an introvert. That's not to say I never want to talk to people, but I can go an average work day interacting with a few folks via email and call it a good day. When I'm being social, I can't get work done, and I find socializing draining - I need to be by myself to recharge my batteries. Also, I have a sit/stand desk, so I regularly get up and work standing.

Re: Ask HN: How can you stand sitting at computers all day?

#6
Its only slaving away if you don't enjoy it. I personally love being on a computer because usually it means I'm learning something. Whether it be by reading an interesting article or practicing my craft, none of it is mindless work.

I think that's the key. To work with a purpose and objective. If I had to surf Facebook 9 hours a day it would certainly not be fun and I too would very much feel like I am slaving my life away.

Re: Ask HN: How can you stand sitting at computers all day?

#7

> This is not social and not fun. Although, I agree there are more things to life than sitting at computers all day, I suspect the elt0n is an extrovert who doesn't get introversion. for instance, if I were to also read books, listen to music and take long walks all by myself, it still would not fit in with elt0n's view of what humans are 'meant' to do.

Agreed. As an introvert, I enjoy my own company just as much as anyone else's. For some being alone is a cause of depression, for others its a time for personal growth and reflection.

Re: Ask HN: How can you stand sitting at computers all day?

#9

Its only slaving away if you don't enjoy it. I personally love being on a computer because usually it means I'm learning something. Whether it be by reading an interesting article or practicing my craft, none of it is mindless work. I think that's the key. To work with a purpose and objective. If I had to surf Facebook 9 hours a day it would certainly not be fun and I too would very much feel like I am slaving my lif…

Yes, absolutely - this is another big part of it. I love my work, so I'm not just sitting around waiting to go home all day.
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