So every year I take 2 vacations. That's the desk where I sit. Not too bad, really. But the trade off? Working through the weekends happens probably 5 times a year. And maybe ten weeks of 50+ hour weeks. My work is not difficult, and in fact, though I am working right now I have moments of downtime when I can surf the web, and joke around with co-workers, even during the busy times. That's the life of software development. Working with one's mind, scheduling and organizing, obviating inefficiencies, always tuning, refining and setting expectations.  Though my wife wishes I were home when I cannot be home, she enjoys our travels and escapes. The only downside I can see is when our busy season happens in our particular sector: summertime. Ouch. Still, all and all, better busy than bankrupt.