The Glorification Of Overwork

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When you do not have the time to rest is the time you need it the most. This couldn't be more true. Last weekend, all my hustle caught up to me and I fell terribly ill. Fever, cold, body ache, stress and what not! Apart from my chronic migraine, my health has always stood by me. This is exactly why I can work at ungodly hours and stay busy throughout the day. Until a few years ago, this was something I took a lot of pride in. Not anymore. I've finally understood that work is just a part of my life and not my entire life.

In a world where productivity often defines worth, the glorification of 60, 70, or even 84-hour workweeks has reached an unsettling peak. Narayana Murthy continues to stand by his 70 hour work week time. Good for him. Someone else I hadn't heard of until a few days ago mentioned about working 84 hours every week. Social media and corporate circles alike celebrate these relentless schedules as badges of honor, equating exhaustion with ambition. But as I reflect on the essence of life, I can’t help but question; what are we sacrificing at the altar of hustle culture?

Not surprisingly, both the statements came from men. We would definitely not hear such things from a woman? Why? We women are used to working 16-18 hours a day. First at an office and then at home. By that logic, women already work more than 120 hours a week. Who is going to compensate her for that? Well, that's fodder for another post. 

This current toxic work culture feeds on the illusion that more hours translate to more success. The last two years turned my work-life balance upside down. It made me short-tempered, anxious, frustrated and highly alert. That's what overworking does to you. It thrives on fear and guilt, pushing individuals to tie their self-esteem to their job titles and output. But the hype is hollow. Beyond the shiny façade of achievement lies a darker reality; burnout, strained relationships, and a pervasive sense of emptiness. Work is vital, yes, but it should never overshadow the simple joys that make life truly fulfilling. With European countries looking to move to a four work day week, India and now the USA seems to be taking a step backward.

Imagine a life where evenings are spent not at a desk but in the embrace of family, or mornings not drowned in emails but in a quiet moment with a book and a strong cup of coffee. Traveling, nurturing relationships, and savoring life's little pleasures, these are the elements that define happiness. Work is merely one aspect of our existence, not its totality. When we forget this, we risk losing the essence of what makes us human. The consequences of this relentless hustle culture are becoming alarmingly evident. Heart attacks among the young are no longer rare headlines; they’re increasingly common realities. Stress and mental health issues plague almost everyone I know, creating a silent epidemic that few openly acknowledge. The constant pressure to do more, be more, and achieve more is exacting a devastating toll. Are people aware of this? Of course. Do they want to so something about it? I'm not sure.

I know not everyone is privileged enough to decide on their hours of work. Some of us have to work extra hours to make that extra sum of money. But, we shouldn't be sacrificing our health and the time we spend with our family for that. The issue is not with the extra hours of work one puts in. It is the glorification of that exhaustion and pain. The success of hustle culture is a myth and the truth is that no matter how much you do, something always gets left behind. Busy - is not a good word. That means that you don't have time for things that actually matter. 

Whatever semblance of balance we can create, we should try to. Having said that, a decent work-life balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Prioritizing mental and physical health is not laziness, it’s wisdom. When we allow ourselves the grace to rest, to connect, and to live fully, we become not only better workers but also better people. A balanced life isn’t about shirking responsibilities but about recognizing that our responsibilities extend beyond the office walls. It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Let’s stop celebrating overwork and start honoring lives lived with intention and balance. Because at the end of the day, no one will remember how many hours we worked or how much money we made, but how much love, laughter, and joy we poured into our days.