How Do You Deal With Long Work Hours?
Most jobs require occasional overtime or overtime, but in some jobs and / or careers, overtime is the norm rather than the exception. If you do a job that regularly requires you to work in excess of what you would consider a standard work day, how do you deal with the workload, let alone work-life balance?
Alison Greene of Ask A Manager recently asked her readers to consider how to survive more than 12 hours a day in the office , especially if their job takes weeks and / or months of this kind of time.
Responses included “ask yourself if you’re confident these long hours will lead to the best,” “determine what compromises you’re willing to accept,” and “don’t tell yourself that you will have a better job / life balance later; figure out how to get that balance now. “
In other words, it might be time to find another job.
There are, of course, exceptions. If you’re in an industry where long hours are part of “paying the dues,” it might be worth staying there and moving up — if “up” is where you really want to go. Likewise, if you work in an industry known for its long work, but love your job and don’t want to change careers, it’s time for you to figure out how to build your life around your job.
In terms of practical advice, Ask A Manager commenters have suggested outsourcing household chores, prioritizing exercise, taking every break you are entitled to (not having lunch at your desk!) Are the norm, and you want to stay in that career for a long time. – find a group of friends with a similar work schedule and priorities. Think of it as a parent, a new friend; You can of course keep your old friends, but that friendship can change due to your new responsibilities and interests, not to mention the increased demands on your time. You will benefit from friends and peers who clearly understand what you are going through, so look for them.
And you? How do you deal with long hours at work? What advice would you give to those who can start a new job, which typically includes 60-80 hour weeks? When should you quit your job (and / or career) that requires hours of work, and when should you stay in it?