gistfile1.py

import argparse
from threading import Thread, Event
from time import sleep
import sys

done = Event()


def work(work_seconds=1):
    sleep(1)
    print("exit from timer thread")
    sys.exit(0)


def longer_operation():
    print("longer main")
    sleep(10)


def main():
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(prog="myprogram")
    parser.add_argument("--timeout", help="time to wait before timeout", type=int)
    parser.add_argument("--work", help="time to work", type=int)
    args = parser.parse_args()

    worker_thread = Thread(target=work, name="worker", args=(args.work,))
    worker_thread.start()
    longer_operation()



main()