As a freelancer I have a luxury to be a master of my time, with all the bad and good that comes with it. Last week I worked half Sunday so this Monday I have hours covered.
I also work on my project, sometimes whole day, or two, sometimes even a week.. it depends on my clients' requirements and how skillful I was in planning the time.
It took me some years to get there, however. And now with kids it gets even more challenging.
Regarding socializing, it is true, my circle is now rather small, but I take it as a temporary state.
