Work hard, nose to the grindstone, and you’ll get places. Be a workaholic. That’s conventional wisdom that has some merit, but can it go too far to the point of workaholism?
I think so. A nice article on Market Watch delved into the topic of working massive hours, and the tough, machismo aura often associated with those that do that. Not just hard work, but really hard work can be a perceived hallmark of those who make it big. Or so the perception is, which the article seemed to brush aside – and I agree!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating that most people can realistically expect to work just a few hours a day and live well much less prosper. That might be a goal or desired state, but it takes work to get there! This work is often hard work, and as a part of that we can say that there is an association between being persistent and making money. If you really want something, being smart and strategic and truly working for it can go a long way to helping you reach stretch goals.
That being said, what’s so great about working incredibly long hours in order to make that happen? I’ve written about how it can be really unhealthy to work long hours. I’ve done it before, and who knows – I might have to do it again for short time periods. But I know that it isn’t a long-term, sustainable thing to do.
Now, when right out of college, I can see how it might be okay. Put in some really long hours of work when you don’t have bigger responsibilities like a family, but you do have the very high level of energy that you won’t have later in life.
From my own experience, there have been times where I worked really long hours and was even known for it. I was practically known as “Mr. Late Night” at one job, where I’d be totally willing to stay beyond the time others would – often until 10pm or later – to get projects done. This despite coming in at 8:30am. Keep in mind this happened quite a few times, including many later than midnight.
It probably helped me at the time, but it’s not sustainable and I don’t do that anymore. There were other people that achieved similar progression at work, and they didn’t necessarily work those hours. So why should I?
Beyond that, life is about balance. There’s so much more to it than a single-minded focus on career and income. One my original posts was about the role money has in our lives, and I go back to it when I feel like I need more balance with what’s truly important: health and relationships.
The thing is, if we do have balance, we might actually do better in our work. I don’t know about you, but I can be much more productive on work or other projects after I’ve had a chance to disengage for even a short while, and completely think of other things. Constantly checking email on your phone to see what’s happening at work is like an addiction. Thankfully, I don’t do that.
Also, aren’t you more productive when you get a full night of sleep? I’m convinced that there is a correlation between sleep and wealth, and that being properly rested can give us more energy to succeed at our work. When I hear or read people talk about staying up super late and getting just a few hours of sleep on a frequent basis, I just think that it can’t be good. The great thing is that by working less and taking care of oneself though sleep and balance, we can actually do more!
I say all this knowing that I can get obsessed with work or other projects too. Still do. Once it reaches 9:30-10:00pm, I get this wave of energy and focus where I can concentrate for hours. The thing is, I try to stop myself most of the time now. Just getting more done within reasonable time frame by following tips on how to be more productive (especially those that I write about) seems to better for overall balance and fun!
My Questions for You
Do you go along with the notion that being a workaholic has major downsides, or do you just push the pedal to the metal and drive toward your goals?
What do you think of the notion that we genuinely need balance, and can actually get better results anyway by embracing it?
Totally agree with the balance concept. Depending on your personal situation, (single. married, children) can really impact the balance. Your spouse needs to be on board with the possible after hour commitment a career may make on you. I work in an operations field and need to be available 24/7. It can be draining on a family. I try and make a point to detach and give dedicated time to my family only.
Agree totally, each person’s individual situation can make a big difference. Working long hours may seem exhausting even with no kids, but it not really even possible with kids for most people.
My entire working life has been characterized by a desire to spend less time working and have more freedom. I’m definitely in the ‘work to live,’ not ‘live to work’ camp. This is the main impetus behind my frugal tendencies–the more I save, the sooner I can spend less time in paid employment!
Freedom is huge. Why live burdened by stress overworking to live a certain lifestyle that leaves you no time to enjoy life.
I’ll never be a workaholic, at least never for someone else. If I was working for myself, it might happen, but not for someone else.
I’ve heard a few people say those same words, and understand…
There are definitely times when it pays off to hustle and work extra hours. I put in countless extra hours over the years in my career and it helped me get ahead. But there comes a time or multiple times when we have to step back from work and find more balance. It’s easy for me to get sucked into working around the clock, but I’m trying hard to walk away from my to do list for at least a few hours each day to keep my stress levels lower.
That makes sense, Sydney. There are time to go all out, and times to seek a good balance. Too much stress can be harmful!
As you said, “life is about balance.” We work hard to get the things we want, but we also need time doing other things to stay happy. Most people will burn out if they work too much. Also, older workers, who are often the most productive, tend to have other things in their lives than work, such as families. I applaud workplaces that recognize this.
It really is about balance. This has probably been said in some form thousands of times before, but how many people near the end of their lives wish they spent more time working extreme hours?