Is Working Too Much Or Doing Work You Don’t Like Worth It?

I was reflecting on a story recently, from a couple of years ago. I met a man who was walking his dog at the park. He told me that he left corporate life because one day, he passed out while driving on his way to work. His car flipped over and he was pronounced dead on the scene. Paramedics were able to revive him, but doctors advised him that it happened because he was under too much stress, as he was working 70–80 hours a week. I see this time and time again. People who are working too much, too hard, or doing things that they don’t like. So, this poses today’s question. Is it worth it? Why do we do this to ourselves? Do we need more money? Do we have families to provide for? Do we enjoy it?

I consider myself to be quite fortunate, because I love the work that I am doing. It can be hard to differentiate between work and fun. Sometimes I struggle with trying to determine how much I should be working and why. Doing videos, tweeting, public speaking, are all things that I love. I may run into stressful situations, but I am not doing work that adds stress to me physically. So, why do we put ourselves in situations where we take on jobs we do not like or enjoy? Or, why do we take on jobs and commit to working 60–80 hours a week? It is important to take a step back and reflect on this. Ask yourself, why are you doing the things you do? Is it worth any of the long hours or stress that comes with it? Maybe there is a better solution or path that you can take?

Please leave me a comment below! There’s no right or wrong answer here. I would love to hear any stories or anecdotes you have on this topic.

This month’s content on the future of work was made possible by my friends at Work Market. Work Market is a freelance management system that brings freelancers and organizations together. As the freelancer economy continues to grow organizations are going to have to think differently about how they service, innovate, and compete in the future of work.

Jacob is an author, speaker, and futurist. You can learn more by visiting TheFutureOrganization.com. You can also subscribe to Jacob’s newsletter to get weekly content on the future of work and the first 30 pages of his new book, The Future of Work.