Overworked? Make a Change!

Why Working too much is Detrimental to Mental Health

Good morning, afternoon, or evening depending on where you're reading from. I wanted to dig in today on the idea of working way too many hours. I know it can sound like an odd topic, but a lot of guys make the mistake of feeling like they have to work 60- or 70-hour work weeks and that can be extremely detrimental to a man's mental health. The constant pressure and long hours can lead to feelings of burnout, stress, and exhaustion, which can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.

Before diving into the issues and what we can do to change it it's probably important to ask a really basic question. Why do we do it? It's kind of like repeatedly banging our head into a wall hoping that eventually it doesn't hurt as bad. There are a variety of reasons why men may feel like they have to work 60- or 70-hour work weeks. Some men may feel pressure to provide for their families and feel like they need to work long hours in order to financially support their loved ones. Others may feel like working long hours is necessary in order to advance in their careers or to gain recognition and respect from their colleagues. Some men may simply feel like they need to work long hours in order to keep up with the demands of their job or to meet the expectations of their employer. Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that it's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being, even if it means working fewer hours.

The Impact of Working too Many Hours

One of the biggest risks of working such long hours is the impact on a person's relationships. Spending so much time at work can leave little time for family, friends, and other important relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection. This can have a major negative impact on mental health and well-being. I have had a ton of personal experience in this field.

I've recently had a ton of my personal time gifted back to me in the form of being terminated from my job. Now at first, I was absolutely shook! I had spent years and years of my life building my brand at a specific company for the sole purpose of making as much money as I possibly could and being able to retire at a relatively young age. In a moments time all of that was gone. It was devastating for about two hours and then I just felt...free. I had this epiphany that I would get to choose my next move. I'd get to choose how I would spend my time, what my next job would be (if I decided to take one), and how to best impact issues that I was passionate about. I've been able to work out, go on walks with my wife and girls, and have even caught a couple of games with the boys. I would have most likely missed all of those things previously because I was always just too busy.

In addition to the risks to mental health, working long hours can also have negative impacts on physical health. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition, both of which can be common consequences of working long hours, can lead to a range of health issues, including increased risk of heart disease and diabetes and here's the thing...your boss TYPICALLY isn't even asking for you to do what you're doing.

Your employer doesn't really want you working as many hours as you are. Some companies absolutely say things like, "We care about work/life balance" and then ride their employees into the ground but that really is the exception. Most companies understand the law of diminishing returns and the value of keeping good talent on staff. I can honestly say that my boss, although he always had tabs on where I was, prioritized himself and although he was an incredibly hard worker pushed his leadership team to take time for themselves and that was at a very large, privately held corporation. We often struggle to make ourselves stop even when our boss isn't pushing us to give those extra hours. It's important to remember that it's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being.

What to do with Your Newfound Time

If you're able to reduce your work hours, you absolutely have to make sure that you utilize the newfound time to focus on you and your mental health. This might include prioritizing hobbies and activities that make you happy, spending time with people you care about, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress and manage your emotions. If you free up time only to knockout all of the chores you've really not wanted to do around the house, you're probably missing the point.

If you're working 60- or 70-hour work weeks and are struggling with the impact on your mental health, it's important to try and make a change. One of the first steps you can take is to talk to your employer about the possibility of reducing your hours. As I mentioned, many employers are willing to work with employees to find a solution that works for everyone. If your employer is a tool and unable to accommodate your request for reduced hours, it may be necessary to consider finding a new job. While this can be intimidating, there are many resources available to help you find a new job, including job search websites, career counseling services, and professional networking groups. It's not exactly something that The Lockman Lounge specializes in but if you want to connect with me, I'd be happy to help you think through career options that don't dominate your entire life!

Don't Sacrifice Your Well-being

At the end of the day, it's important to prioritize your mental health. Work is definitely important, but it's not worth sacrificing your well-being. If you're struggling with the demands of a 60- or 70-hour work week, don't be afraid to seek help and make a change. As always get out there and do something positive today and if you haven't taken a look at our "Resources" tab please do. I'll be adding additional resources that are available to people as I discover them and as people reach out. I had someone reach out earlier today from BOCA Recovery Center and I'll be adding their free resources to that page. Share that page with friends and family members if you don't share anything else. Let's make an impact today! Thanks for reading.

John

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John Lockman is passionate about promoting men's mental health. Having lost a family member to suicide at an early age, he is committed to raising awareness about the disproportionate number of men affected by this devastating issue. Through his own personal experiences and his website, www.thelockmanlounge.com, John hopes to help men think differently about how to prioritize their well-being and become more comfortable acknowledging and processing their feelings in a healthy way.

In addition to his passion for mental health advocacy, John also has almost two decades of experience in the business world. Most recently, he oversaw roughly 100 million dollars of annual revenue and was responsible for managing a team of 75 employees. In this role, John had a significant impact on customer service, profitability, employee retention, and marketplace growth. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, John is a seasoned professional with valuable insights to share.