How I estimate work: Deep dive into the existing code, consider refactors and related modifications that may need to be done, look for alternatives, assess the scope, and then add 20% to whatever amount of time I come up with.

How every company I've ever worked for estimates work: "It's just adding a button. My nephew builds websites and he says buttons are easy. We need it in production by tomorrow."

Start new job January 1st.

Insurance supposed to start on February 1st.

Due to "paperwork problems", insurance doesn't start until March 1st.

Informed of this on March 4th, when I receive insurance cards.

Insurance cards have the wrong name...can't use them.

I have a strict rule about putting my computer away by 7pm.

I've found that if I get started on something, no matter how stupid it is, I will stay up all night working on something. If I try to quit, I go to bed and can't sleep because I'm still thinking about it.

Setting a time gives my brain time to let go before it's time to go to bed.

How useful was my CS Degree?

I don't have one. I went $50k in debt trying to get one, but after shuffling schools and trying to make it work around a full time job...I took a break.

I've been a professional developer for 4+ years and worked in IT for over a decade.

I'm not sure if it's worth going back, but it sucks to have all that debt and nothing tangible to show for it.