In March 2008, after being admitted to the ER for what felt like a heart attack, although I was 24 and in great shape, I discovered that I have panic disorder. I was working at a hedge fund at the time and believe the work environment (loud, distracting) and lack of job satisfaction (liked the pay; work was mildly interesting but unfulfilling due to the lack of purpose other than making money; environment was difficult) may have contributed.
The attacks became worse over that spring, reaching a frequency of about 3-5 times per week-- some mild, but many debilitating. I would frequently lose a whole day to a severe panic attack that would re-ignite spontaneously over a period of hours. I was fired 2 months later because my health problems (which, at the time, seemed to extend beyond panic disorder; I also had vomiting spells and insomnia) interfered with my work. Although I was scrupulous about making up the time lost, having to leave the office at random times did not endear me to my boss.
15 months later, I'm on meds, getting regular exercise, and most importantly, working at a startup whose purpose I agree with. The attacks are down to a frequency of about once per week, and I only lose 30-60 minutes of time when they occur.
I love programming/solving problems and really enjoy working on this project, so I don't find work to be more stressful than any other mode of existence (although I need breaks from time to time).
So I ask: Will working 60+ hour weeks, assuming I enjoy my work immensely, for a 3- to 6-month sprint aggravate my disorder? The level of (dis)stress is low, and mostly driven by my own desire for accomplishment (eustress), so I don't see why it would, but I'm wondering if there's someone out there who can opine on this matter.
The attacks became worse over that spring, reaching a frequency of about 3-5 times per week-- some mild, but many debilitating. I would frequently lose a whole day to a severe panic attack that would re-ignite spontaneously over a period of hours. I was fired 2 months later because my health problems (which, at the time, seemed to extend beyond panic disorder; I also had vomiting spells and insomnia) interfered with my work. Although I was scrupulous about making up the time lost, having to leave the office at random times did not endear me to my boss.
15 months later, I'm on meds, getting regular exercise, and most importantly, working at a startup whose purpose I agree with. The attacks are down to a frequency of about once per week, and I only lose 30-60 minutes of time when they occur.
I love programming/solving problems and really enjoy working on this project, so I don't find work to be more stressful than any other mode of existence (although I need breaks from time to time).
So I ask: Will working 60+ hour weeks, assuming I enjoy my work immensely, for a 3- to 6-month sprint aggravate my disorder? The level of (dis)stress is low, and mostly driven by my own desire for accomplishment (eustress), so I don't see why it would, but I'm wondering if there's someone out there who can opine on this matter.