On the one hand, immersing yourself in working in front of a computer for 80 hours a week is not a “life”. On the other hand, a few more years of this compensation, although difficult at the moment, could help prepare me for a much more financially stable future.
Friends and family around me seem to both applaud my success, while frequently commenting on how insane my work hours are. I also look around at my peers outside of my job, and my work-life balance definitely seems the worst. Curious to know what you and your readers think about this.
To be or…: I wonder what would happen if you gave yourself concrete answers to “Is it worth it?” question.
Set objectives, financial or otherwise; determine the number of years you will need to stay in this job until you get there; circle the date on your calendar; then see if you feel better about it all.
Also list the things you don’t do and decide what it’s costing you now. If you suffered a loss or were misdiagnosed, would your choice of work now/live later be right for you then?
I really think that, emotionally, we do better with things when they’re broken into pieces that we can understand. The terrible work-life balance seems like a problem when you ask yourself to put up with it indefinitely; when you choose it as a limited means to a definite end, it may seem like a solution. Now it’s a matter of deciding what you want those limits to be.
As someone who has just reached an important financial goal, let me say that there is no magic moment when you go from feeling insecure about the future to completely satisfied . Something that once seemed to be ENOUGH, seems smaller once it arrives. What is your definition of enough? How are you going to stick with it, rather than seeing the even more enjoyable lifestyle that will come if you hang on for a few more years? Because there is no finish line and the goal you see in the distance will keep moving forward.
· I have held this position for decades and recently retired. It took me a few months because I had been so overwhelmed with work for the past few years, but I would have liked to work less and play more. I gave my work the best of my health and my youth. Not worth it. Take some time and think about it, please.
· For me, there was a magic moment when I went from feeling insecure about the future to being completely satisfied. I achieved my goals and felt like I could relax. It looks like it might work for you, if you see an end in sight.
· The answer to this question isn’t very helpful, “It’s worth it until it’s not.” Ideally, you’ll plan your outing a bit before you reach the point where you can’t deal with it anymore.