[markem]

The entire time I worked in the chip business, from about 89-95, I worked every holiday because that was the only time we could reasonably take down entire networks to replace equipment, perform upgrades, etc. Salaried, so no compensation beyond the knowledge that no one yelled at us for doing our jobs for a day or two.

I recall one 36 hour stretch from midnight Xmas eve until 6am on the 26th where my team changed out $18M worth of networking infrastructure (1993 dollars) across four countries. I am so glad that I did not have to pay that cell phone bill! Splicing cat-5 cables while wearing a class 1000 bunny suit (complete with air tanks) while suspended from 2 ropes from the ceiling hoist wasn't nearly as much fun as it sounds.

I feel for everyone who has to give up time with family and friends and am thankful that my time in that slot is past.