Many people in America work hard, too hard. We might get two to three weeks off in the year, but is that enough? Working hard is a great characteristic, but do question why you're doing that.
Our quality of life has improved dramatically over the last few generations, but at what cost? Are our lives improved? That's the question. Is quality of life determined by the size of our house? Or are there less monetary measurements of such quality?
Some questions to ask yourself are: Do you have less time to enjoy your wealth? Do promotions only increase your stress? I'm deeply concerned that all of this work will leave us an empty and unhappy society.
Do we spend enough time with our family? Does our money enrich our lives or is it taking it away? Do we spend most of our time and energy trying to impress our co-workers and bosses, rather than trying to please our friends and family members who should mean more to us in the long run?
Just look at the way that corporations are organized now. Corporate leaders are making more and more money, while those on the bottom are really suffering and in want. This makes me think that the whole system is out of whack.
Overworking might even develop into an addiction with adjacent health problems. Presently there is not an accepted medical definition for such a condition, but some obsessive-compulsive disorders and forms of stress can be work-related.
Some of a workaholic's health-related issues can be fatigue, irritability, headaches, unusual tiredness, and constant sleepiness. Panic attacks, a growing resentment of the long hours, and the feeling that life is out of control are other signals and issues of being overworked.
I'm hopeful that as we wrestle with big economic issues, that the consequence won't be to work harder. My hope is that we'll start to work less. My desire is that employers will reward those who contribute with more time off, rather than more pay. I'm doubtful, but I can at least hope.