Balancing the Grind with Vladas Koncius, JavaScript Front End Developer at Wix

Vladas Koncius is a JavaScript Front End Developer at Wix. Over his career he has worked on both front and back end programming, SEO, UI and web design, and more.

1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

During my life I worked in various domains but I specialize in web business. Most of my career I’ve been a software developer and consultant helping people find the right technical solutions to improve their business performance. Currently I am a software engineer at Wix.com.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

Every day is different but wherever I am and whatever the situation around is I try to improve my skills in life as a person and professional as much as I can.

I plan my life, my work, my education, finances, health. I have a long term plan, a monthly plan, and a weekly plan that I follow and it helps me get things done. So to achieve the original vision, what is done during the day is often decided before.

An example of a recent workday – get a task (i.e. implement some functionality to a website).. analyze the requirements.. research the possible solution and talk with the team or product people about it if necessary. Eat some cashew nuts and drink milk. Create the solution (write code), rest, continue, test, deploy, repeat.

Rarely a task is a single day mission.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

In my current position I often have to communicate with colleagues and people that work at different times, in different countries. Sometimes I travel for work which means flights, hotels, different workdays (i.e. in Israel Sunday is a workday) so it can become a big part of life.

Though mostly I choose my work time and can set up my own routine which is great. Working remotely full time is not allowed in my current company but it is possible for a day or few if necessary.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

If you are happy, rested, healthy, productive, and have time for personal growth, then I think some balance has been found. I think that working with people and companies that value you as a person is extremely important to achieve that.

Some don’t and I try to avoid them. Personally whatever I do I try to work smart, not rush, and think long-term. Also the time away from work contributes to the state of mind as much if not even more. Because of that, I keep happy relationships, constantly learn, exercise, and volunteer. I sleep long hours and also meditate regularly which improves my life and work a lot.

5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?

Yes, many. One of my routines is to check for habits, weak spots in myself that I could improve, choose one, set a game plan for several months, and work on it. Same with learning skills.

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

Depends on the public. Books, if we’re talking business I like The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco, programming in general – The Pragmatic Programmer, life and self development – The Way Things Are by Ole Nydahl.

I like the Joe Rogan podcast where he covers many topics.

7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?

No but I like the Spending app to keep track of my spending.

8) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

Life will go by fast so focus on what is important. And take time to rest.

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