Today’s always-on culture has made “hustle culture” a household name. Why? Because, for some reason, many people currently equate overworking with determination and grit. Yet, there’s a fine line between working hard and workaholism, the latter of which can rob you of time spent with family and loved ones and, in some cases, your sense of self entirely. How can you tell if you’re working too much? Here are three clear-cut ways to determine whether you’re being overworked.
You have trouble disconnecting.
It’s not just your job that requires constant connectivity, but if you’re working too much, you may feel the effects of screen time addiction more intensely. For starters, sometimes, bosses and managers can expect us to be “always-on,” which makes it next to impossible to simply turn off your device. Second, the constant stimulation that we get from our chatting apps, email notifications, and Zoom meetings can actually become addicting over time. If you’re constantly reaching for your phone or refreshing your email inbox, even when you’re out of the office, you may be overworked.
Your health is declining.
Hustle culture has made it so that overworking is viewed as a positive indication that you’re determined and motivated – but, in reality, working too much can actually leave your body and mind in a serious state of disrepair. Overworking often manifests in the following ways:
• Exhaustion, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating
• Stress—feeling tense and on edge
• Anxiety and depression
• Weight gain/loss and poor eating habits
• Insomnia
If you’ve noticed these concerning symptoms, pay attention and remedy the situation as soon as you can – or else risk more serious health problems, like obesity, heart disease, or even alcoholism.
You no longer feel passionate about your job.
Nothing stinks more than finding a job that you love, only to have your passion stamped out as a result of overworking. Not even the most passionate of employees can keep up the pace and stay energized when they’re working more than 8 hours every day, grinding all weekend, and/or ignoring their PTO stash in favor of yet another long week at the office. As career coach Ken Coleman writes, “Creativity and vision need breathing room.” If you’ve lost all interest in your job, this is a major indicator that you are spending way too much time in front of your work computer.
It’s always exciting to spice up your daily routine with something new! That’s why White Rock Apartments in San Antonio, Texas encourages you to try out our weekly recipes, crafts, and lifestyle tips.