I really like this one, Nick! I’m older than you so I’ve been through some of these seasons where I switched burners.
At your age I worked 70 hours a week. In fact thru my early 30’s with 2 jobs. Friends and health were the other two. Family got pretty much nothing, but I didn’t have kids.
I switched careers in my early 30’s, to an office job in IT that allowed me more health time, because by that time, the resilience of youth that allows one abuse our bodies, was wearing off! More sleep, more exercise, some balance. More family, less friends. A small amount of hobby.
Now, my work has been cut back a bit on purpose. Partially because I can do what I do more efficiently than ever and don’t need to overdo. Partially because I’m trying to turn up the health burner. And spend more time on other interesting hobbies, like painting.
But, as Zana says, life is too short for shallow friendships so I’m picking personal time very carefully because there just isn’t time for everything. Only that which is most important now. ❤️