Why being overworked isn't good

As satisfying as the feeling of completing a project or getting a pat on the back from the boss may be, being overworked is never a good thing. It means you have less time for the things and people you value in your life. If you're under a great deal of stress, you may be suffering from sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, and other health issues.

That's why it's always best to work smarter rather than harder. Assess your work day and see if there's any way you can reshuffle your tasks/agenda so as to give you a little breathing room. Maybe you could use a temp or assistant, or perhaps you can ask your boss if he or she can cut back on the number of jobs being thrown your way.

And if you feel that all the extra work merits a promotion or pay increase, let your supervisor know. You may very well be rewarded handsomely for the extra time you're putting it, but you won't know for sure until you broach the subject.

At the end of the day, employers really don't want you to be overworked unless they have no other choice. They know it'll likely result in diminishing productivity on your part. A person can only multi-task so much before they're unable to keep up with their ballooning workload.

And taking work home with you will only serve as a temporary band-aid. When you're so immersed in your work that you're not tending to matters at home, it's noticed -- and quickly.

And let's not forget one other significant point: Once you're in your deathbed, you won't wish you'd spent more time working. You'll regret not having enjoyed more special moments with friends and family -- the kind of experiences that make life worth living.

Many of us take immense pride in our work. It adds structure to our lives and gives us the wherewithal to provide for our families. I'm all for being driven and ambitious.

However, if your job is causing a lot of stress and straining life at home, it may be time to reassess whether it's providing the work-life balance you want. Again, sacrificing your health -- whether mental or physical -- for a job just isn't worth it. Yes, we all need money to pay the bills, but more time for hobbies and family -- even if it takes getting a lower-paying job -- is worth its weight in gold.

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