I'm one of those people that works late. I typically start my day (even when I was working IN the office) no later than 8:20 a.m. and often don't get finish up until after 7:30 p.m. First off, let me say I am NOT complaining, it is the nature of my job, which I love. Also, while it is the norm for me, I can take a break and go to the gym if I want to.
The interesting fact is I am not the only one. A recent study suggests that nearly two-thirds of U.S. companies report that their employees have worked more hours in the past three years. Your new new normal becomes these extended hours.
I have to admit though, since I moved in with the hubby, working late has become a little harder than it used to be.
So what can you do to avoid the stay-late work pattern or at least avoid its negative consequences?
- Reflect on your goals--both professional and personal. Figure out what is important to you. I want to have a family, but I also don't want to start that until I am well established in my profession. So if that means putting in the extra hours now, so be it.
- Talk about it at home. When J and I first started living together he was still in school. It was a little different, now that we are both working, both striving to further our careers it makes a difference.
- Open up a dialogue at work. I am lucky enough to work for a company that appreciates work-life balance. They believe in divvying up the work to make sure not one person is stuck there every night