The challenges of being consistently on-call in a contractor role are highlighted, particularly in high-pressure environments like supporting wineries during critical seasons. One user shares their experience working 16-hour days without the option for sick days or downtime, worrying that their reputation hinges on their ability to recover from simultaneous crises. They express frustration over the lack of system quality and clear ownership, which compounds the stress of managing on-call duties. Comments suggest that the industry standard practices are burdensome and that the pressure for new features often overshadows the need for reliable systems. The balance between work-life and the relentless demands of being on-call is a recurring theme among commenters, who agree that this is one of the most difficult aspects of the job.