Working overtime can become an obsession for some workers. It’s tempting to work overtime in order to make more money or to prove yourself, but be careful that you’re not sacrificing something more important. For hourly employees, it’s tempting to work overtime in order to earn extra money for your dream vacation or for your child’s college fund. Some people need to work to stay on top of family finances or to pay those extra, unplanned expenses, like major car repairs or medical bills. If you’re on salary, working overtime won’t provide extra cash, but it can help you keep up with your workload. Working long hours may also help you earn a promotion or a bonus.
Before accepting overtime, consider the pros and cons of working extra hours, and the impact on you and your family.
Fatigue – Your ability to think diminishes when you’re tired. Consequently, you are more likely to make mistakes, which lead to rework. This can hurt your productivity and can negatively impact your professional reputation.
Increased Expectations – If you work extra hours as a general rule, you may be given more responsibility! This could create a never-ending and increasing cycle of more work.
Family – You may miss out on important events, such as your son’s championship soccer game, your daughter’s recital, or your father’s 60th birthday party. Missing out on important milestones may hurt your relationships with your loved ones.
Friends – Good friends are an important part of your support network. If you’re spending more time at the office and less time with your friends, then you’ll find it difficult to nurture those friendships.
Sometimes working overtime is important. It’s a choice you can make to catch up on bills or to save for something important. If you work for a company that requires overtime, you won’t be able to avoid it, but you can manage it. If you work overtime for financial reasons or to gain a promotion, do so in moderation. Most importantly, say no when you’re too tired, when it’s affecting your health, or when you have important family obligations.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alan Gee, Brad Bengtson. Brad Bengtson said: The Pros and Pitfalls of Working Overtime | Your Life Balance …: If you work for a company that requires overt… http://bit.ly/hoxovE [...]