Lately, I’ve noticed that a lot of people are overworked, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s really necessary. It’s always important to work to your fullest potential, but will staying late at the office night after night really benefit you in the long run if you’re burnt out and not enjoying your job? Probably not. Know your limit at work and stick to it. While producing your best quality work will be recognized, chances are that your worn out mind won’t be.
Whether you’re considering a new position or you’re in the midst of your current role, it is important that you know your limit regarding how much you can take on and how much your body and mind can handle. If you’re feeling like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, or that your to-do list is building up past what can realistically get done within the workday, talk to your boss and let them know. Communication is essential in sticking to the limit you’ve set for yourself. If you are the boss when you find this happening, take a few minutes to prioritize your list and see what you can delegate to others. Maybe it’s time to give a great employee more responsibility or hire someone on to be your second in command.
Every person is different, and for me, my priorities always have been and always will be the people I love. While I will put 110% into my job, if I had to pick and choose, I’d always pick people over work. The way I see it, people aren’t replaceable. If a loved one is sick or in trouble, they take priority over a job. You can always find a new job, but you can’t take back time you lost with those you love. So when you start working yourself ragged and notice that you’re burned out, take a moment and think about whether it is really worth it to you.
Do you care that much about your job that you’re willing to put yourself and your needs second? Will it make a difference in the long run, or will you simply look back and think about all the time you wasted making yourself miserable? Maybe your job does matter that much to you, or maybe you’re working hard because of a specific reason, or for a set period of time. The point is, there is no right answer here, but you need to know your limit and figure out what you really want. If you’re fine with working yourself ragged, by all means, go for it. But if you’re not happy with how hard you’re working and feel like you’ve reached your limit, do something about it. Chances are that it won’t make that much of a difference in one, five, or ten years down the road. You’re worth it, so know your limit and stick to it!