Resist being part of the “Always On” culture

Some jobs and careers are more prone to being ‘always on’ than others.

On the drive into work, you’re thinking about that meeting with the important client, or running through the list of things you want to get done. Then, after working all day, you put in another hour or two before you leave, hoping to make a dent in your to-do list. You might listen to some music or news on your drive home, but it’s probably that work-related podcast you subscribe to. If you’re lucky (or intentional) you get a little family time after dinner, but before you to go bed, you check your email or look over some reports you need for the next day.

It. Never. Stops.

Until you decide where you’re going to draw the line. Are you really willing to be ‘always on’ for your job? Why? No matter how many hours you put in, you’re never going to eliminate that to-do list. And chances are, you’re not going to get a promotion or even an ‘atta boy’ from the boss for staying late?

The answer to this is actually counter-intuitive.

Work fewer hours.

What?

It kind of works like when you had to cram for that final in Quantitative Statistics. When you have less time to do something, you concentrate on what absolutely HAS to get done, and it works. Having less time also forces you to be more selective about what is and isn’t worth you time. Do you really need to attend that update meeting every single week when you can get what you need from the meeting minutes?

Work your required shift and be more selective about which tasks you focus on.

Then go home and enjoy your family and whatever makes you happy.