Feeling the burn: When open source developers decide to take a break

The Register

February 23, 2026

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Feeling the burn: When open source developers decide to take a break --- Taking a vacation might seem like a radical idea for many open-source developers and maintainers, who are often seen as workaholics. A recent announcement by the npmx team, which develops a registry browser for Node.js's package manager (NPM), sparked controversy when they decided to take a week off to recharge. Anthony Fu, an open-source developer and maintainer, praised this move, suggesting that more OSS projects should follow suit. He emphasized the importance of rest and balance for long-term sustainability in open source. However, such a suggestion feels audacious in a culture where overwork is often glorified. The roots of this workaholic mindset can be traced back to the early days of open-source software. In his essay "Homesteading the Noosphere," Eric S. Raymond described the open-source community as a gift culture, where reputation and recognition are key drivers. Developers often work long hours not for financial gain but for personal satisfaction and peer approval. This passion-driven approach, combined with the lack of formal support structures, has created a pattern of extreme dedication that often blurs the line between enjoyment and overwork. As open-source projects grow in popularity, maintainers face increasing pressure to respond to issues, handle pull requests, and manage user expectations—often without adequate compensation. Many maintainers hold day jobs while handling critical infrastructure at night, leading to grueling 60-80 hour workweeks. This cycle is further complicated by the fact that much of their maintenance work remains invisible, leaving them feeling undervalued and overburdened. The importance of rest and balance in open-source development cannot be overstated. Burnout is a real issue, and without addressing it, the sustainability of projects and the well-being of maintainers are at risk. While the idea of taking time off may seem radical, it highlights the need for healthier practices that acknowledge both the passion and the human toll behind open-source contributions. Ultimately, this discussion matters because it challenges the status quo of a culture that often glorifies overwork. By encouraging rest and fostering better support systems, the

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Originally published on The Register on 2/23/2026