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[MrBrightside]

Here's the deal: Don't work 50+ hour weeks. I never have, and I'm in an industry (programming) where many do. JUST SAY NO. It's an attitude. In this industry, there are occasional emergencies/rollouts to production web sites you are asked to do after hours/work extra. Later that week, I just say "hey, I'm leaving at 3 today because I worked late the other day." Don't ask. Just do. Make it clear that you expect comp time for working extra.

I know many think they will fall behind, etc., but I don't care. I'm not interested in management (done it, hated it). I work at a start up, so hopefully my stock options will pay off. I have never had a job where I have averaged more than, MAYBE slightly over 40 hours (i'm talking 42, tops), since I graduated college.

On to the OPs question: Have you considered consulting and /or part time for your original company? If they value your work that highly, go for it.