Are you working too much❓

Recently, I wrote about how you can determine whether or not you are doing too much of a particular thing. I decided that blog was not enough and I wanted to dive further into this idea, but more specifically hone in on working. There is evidence to suggest that working long hours or working excessively can have negative effects on a person's happiness and well-being.

One reason for this is that working long hours can lead to feelings of exhaustion and burnout, which can negatively impact a person's mood and overall well-being. When a person works too much, they may have less time for rest, relaxation, and other activities that contribute to their happiness, such as hobbies, exercise, and socializing with friends and family. This can lead to feelings of stress, frustration, and loneliness, which can all contribute to unhappiness.

Additionally, working too much can interfere with a person's ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is important for overall well-being. When a person's work consumes a large portion of their time and energy, it can be difficult to find time for other important aspects of life, such as relationships, self-care, and personal growth. This can lead to feelings of imbalance and dissatisfaction with one's life overall.

It is important to recognize that work is an essential part of life, and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for many people. However, it is also vital to find a balance that allows for sufficient time for rest, relaxation, and other activities that contribute to overall well-being.

Comparing work to slavery 🔒

It may sound like a drastic comparison, but there are many similarities between being overworked and being trapped in slavery. It's clear that the two are not exact copies of one another, but you may realize there are more commonalities than you may have initially imagined.

Slavery is a system of forced labor in which one person is considered the property of another and is not free to leave or refuse to work. Slavery has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations, and has taken many forms over the centuries. In some cases, slaves were captured in wars and sold into slavery, while in other cases, people were born into slavery and passed down from one generation to the next.

Slavery has been characterized by a lack of autonomy and control over one's own time and labor. Slaves were often subjected to harsh conditions, including physical abuse, and were denied basic human rights such as the right to education and the right to marry and have families. Slavery has been a controversial and deeply entrenched institution in many societies and has only been abolished in most parts of the world in relatively recent times.

Today, slavery is universally recognized as a violation of human rights and is prohibited by international law. However, slavery still persists in some parts of the world, often taking more subtle forms such as debt bondage, forced labor, and human trafficking.

You have a debt to pay 💸

Debt bondage (aka a debt slave) is the main point of slavery that I feel connects closely to the modern-day 9 to 5 work schedule. Most of us are all but forced to work 40+ hours weekly in order to maintain some sense of financial stability. Many extend their work hours far beyond this, making their life revolve solely around work itself.

Even if there are no physical chains, we still can get confused and truly believe that we are locked into our jobs. If you enjoy what you do for work, then this probably isn't going to be of much concern. Sadly, the majority of people hate their line of work and would much rather be doing something that they are passionate about.

The modern 9 to 5 work schedule is not similar to slavery in the sense that it is not based on the ownership and control of one person over another. Slavery is a system of forced labor in which one person is considered the property of another and is not free to leave or refuse to work. In contrast, the 9-5 work schedule is a system of employment in which an employee is paid to perform work for a set number of hours per day and is free to leave their job if they choose.

However, it is possible to argue that certain aspects of the modern 9 to 5 work schedule may be similar to slavery in the sense that they involve a lack of autonomy and control over one's own time and labor. For example, some people may feel that the 9 to 5 work schedule is inflexible and does not allow for sufficient time for rest, leisure, or personal pursuits. Additionally, some people may feel that the demands of their job are excessive and do not allow for a healthy work-life balance. The topic of wages is another factor since many jobs do not pay a livable wage.

Overall, it is important to recognize that the 9 to 5 work schedule is a social and cultural construct that has evolved over time and may not be suitable for everyone. It is important for individuals to have the freedom to choose the work arrangements that best suit their needs and goals, rather than being forced into a particular work schedule or pattern.

You are not trapped 🗽

If you are working a job that you hate, it can be a difficult and stressful situation. However, there are a few alternatives that you may want to consider:

Look for a new job: ^{If you are unhappy in your current job, it may be worth considering looking for a new one. This could involve updating your resume, networking, and applying for positions that align more with your interests and goals.}

Change careers: ^{If your current job is not fulfilling and you are unhappy with it, you may want to consider a career change. This could involve going back to school to get the education and training you need for a new field, or taking steps to gain new skills and experiences through internships, volunteering, or freelance work.}

Consider self-employment: ^{If you are unhappy with your job and want more control over your work, you may want to consider self-employment. This could involve starting your own business, or working as a freelancer or consultant in your field.}

Take a break: ^{If you are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, it may be helpful to take a break from work. This could involve taking a sabbatical, a leave of absence, or simply taking some time off to recharge and refocus.}

Ultimately, the best alternative will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. It is important to consider what will work best for you and to make a plan that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Take action 🚧

There is no good reason to force yourself to endure a torutorus job.

If you are considering a change in career, there are a few steps you can take to prepare yourself:

Research potential careers: ^{Take some time to research different careers that interest you. Consider factors such as job duties, required education and training, salary, and job outlook. You may want to talk to people who work in the field or join professional organizations to learn more.}

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: ^{Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile accurately reflect your skills and experiences, and highlight any transferable skills that may be relevant to your new career.}

Gain new skills and experience: ^{Consider taking courses or earning a certification in a field that is related to your new career. You may also want to gain experience through internships, volunteering, or freelance work.}

Network: ^{Building relationships with people in your desired industry can be a valuable way to learn about job opportunities and get advice. Consider attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to people in your network.}

Create a plan: ^{Make a plan for how you will transition into your new career. This may involve going back to school, gaining new skills or experience, or networking to find job opportunities.}

It is important to be patient and persistent as you make the transition to a new career. Abandoning ship during a storm is the worst plan of action. It may take time and effort to gain the skills and experience you need, but with hard work and dedication, you can succeed in your new career path.

Change is possible 🙏

I was once stuck working a job I dreaded and I always felt like nothing more than an ID number there. We deserve to be employed by somebody who thinks of us as human beings, not as bodies that can be replaced in an instant. Thankfully I was not an actual slave, but I did feel like my mind had imprisoned itself and I ended up letting my job control my life despite it making me unhappy.

If you are forcing yourself to stay with a job that doesn't value who you are, ask yourself... WHY?

I understand that many of us do not have unlimited opportunities. There is however almost always going to be some alternative to what you are currently doing.