I grew mine 2 1/2 years ago when I took my new job. My wife loves it and urged me to keep it.
I trim it weekly, but it's still incredibly easier than keeping up shaving!
I was trimming mine weekly but the holidays hit and I grew increasingly lazy. She made me trim it on Saturday and it was the first time in at least 3 weeks. It was a little unruly, to be honest.
I shave once a week (cheeks above my beard and neck line below) because I have to. I went a couple of weekd this month and my wife commented on it. I hate shaving and welcome the day I retire so I can go a month or so between.
This is my normal mode. I shave on Monday mornings unless something special forces me to do otherwise. Sometimes I keep other facial hair but the beard is typically just a winter thing. Nobody at my work minds, so I just do what's easy and comfortable.