Closing time
Setting a closing time for side work
A closing time is a simple rule: at a set hour, side work stops, finished or not. It's one of the most useful habits for keeping side work sustainable.
Choose the time
Work backwards from when you need to sleep. Leave at least an hour between closing time and bed for winding down.
Write it down
Put the closing time in your calendar and, if it helps, on a note by your desk. A decision made in advance is easier to keep than one made at 23:00.
Use a reminder
A timer or alarm ten minutes before closing gives you time to save, note where you stopped and shut down.
Keep it on hard days
The rule matters most when a job is running late. Unfinished work waits for the next session; your sleep doesn't come back.
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