Is it a requirement to run the node 24/7? I know you won't get a call from Bitcoin's HR department if you don't, but do you derive a benefit from doing it?
Discussion
Correct, it's not necessary. You could run Bitcoin Core on your computer each time you use it and it will catch up with what's happened since it went offline.
A full node that's running 24/7 is more helpful to the network, though. As it is always ready to stream old blocks to new nodes that are syncthing.
However, if you also want to run a Lightning Network node on your box then uptime is very important.
💯 can’t run a lightning node that’s only on part-time. At least… please don’t 😂