Working Fifteen Hour Days

Well I can honestly say that I never thought I would see the day when I worked a 15 hour day. Well at least not for anyone besides myself. The truth is though you don’t notice the time, when you actually enjoy what you are doing. I can honestly say that I enjoy what I do. It’s 70% tactical and 20% strategic but it’s cool nonetheless (The other 10% percent is made of up by the administrative and operational task of the company… of course). But the recent 15 hour work days did allow me to take a step back, tonight and ask myself, “Why do I work so hard?” Am I just not working any smarter, or am I just that too committed to my job. Well I can honestly say it’s none of the above. It’s actually just maintaining a consistent level of work effort. The same level of energy that I have always put into the work I do. I have always considered myself a hard working person and though I am often in need of sleep, I don’t regret the long hours. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe in giving my life to any company, but I believe that the occasional 10+ hour day opens your mind up to exploration. An opportunity to sit back and realize whether or not you like what you are doing. If you hate every minute you work past 8-9 hours, then it’s a possibility that you don’t really like the career path you have chosen. The fact of the matter is I do and that’s why I work so hard. Now my question to you is this. Why is that Americans find themselves reaching so far pass their capacity for work happiness, that friends, family and responsibilities often take the back seat? Why do you work so hard, but know you aren’t happy in you current place? Just a few words to think about, and believe me I’m stepping off the soap box, I just thought I would ask. Feel free to comment and I look forward to talking with you soon.

-Justin