Overtime or working more than 40 hours isn’t a new concept and it’s always been driven by trade or profession and by what legislation or society sees as reasonable. But studies have proven too much overtime can affect one’s health. One such study measured the effect of overtime on more than 300 Japanese men who worked for 3 different Japanese companies. Based on the results, it was concluded that for these men, overtime led to higher blood pressure and  body mass index (BMI).

But even with studies showing that too much overtime isn’t good for our health, it remains a controversial issue and employees struggle to find balance.

So what’s the answer?

Your health should always come first even if the overtime hourly rate is appealing. Just like your mother taught you; remember to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise.

The laws regarding overtime may vary by state or country, but the law to good health is unchangeable. We have one body, one life and we need to take care of our- selves. If we forget to do this, then we won’t be much help to anyone on the job, never mind to our selves or to our loved ones. Lifestyle is just that; the style or quality of life. Never let a job interfere with your health and be sure to find time to devote just to you.

 
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5 Responses to “Surviving Your Career”

pam skalaban says:
2010/05/20 at 6:06 am
I do work overtime on a regualr basis. Not as much as I used to years ago, due to getting sick and being hospitalized.
However, I was always under the impression that as a “manager”, we were not entitled to overtime. I was told by someone years ago, that management in any profession that does qualify.
Am I wrong? Help!!

Rebecca Morehead says:
2010/05/20 at 9:03 pm
You know this is so true, especially the line of “never let a job interfere with your health.” I talked with a PM yesterday who was drained emotionally and physically. It will wear on you if you do not take care of yourself. It is a good suggestion to pamper yourself at least once a month. It works well for me to have a massage once a month and to me it is worth it. Thanks for sharing this article.

Rebecca Morehead
http://www.practicemanagersolutions.com

Annette says:
2010/05/20 at 9:11 pm
Thanks for reminding me of what’s important. Sometimes it is easy to forget that we should put our family, friends, and ourselves first. If we do this it will not only be of benefit to our health but to our jobs also.

Emily says:
2010/06/03 at 3:18 am
Thanks for reminding me of what’s important. Sometimes it is easy to forget that we should put our family, friends, and ourselves first. If we do this it will not only be of benefit to our health but to our jobs also.

Amy says:
2010/06/05 at 11:56 pm
Thanks for reminding me of what’s important. Sometimes it is easy to forget that we should put our family, friends, and ourselves first. If we do this it will not only be of benefit to our health but to our jobs also.