I have probably heard the fans on it twice ever?
I use Docker to do all my Python stuff, regularly watch YouTube videos or have heavy data visualizations going, always with 2x external monitors. There literally isn't a moment 30 seconds after startup where all of the following are not open at once:
* VPN software
* Teams
* Docker running a Jupyter server
* Firefox
* Chrome
* Alfred
* ITerm
* Corporate self-service backup stuff
I used to run Virtualbox daily, but haven't since the pandemic started. I also occasionally run screen capture software, Vim, Excel/Word, Zoom, and so on. I wonder whether the model I got is just somehow more bulletproof than the earlier (and later?) models, or if what I do is just not as much as what others folks use their MacBooks for. If there's something I can tell folks about my system that will help you improve yours, let me know and I'll gladly share.