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Are long hours ruining your life?

Comments

1. At 09:19 AM on 19 Feb 2008, ceri wardle wrote:

   dear god there are people putting their lives on the line for next to nothing and working 24 7 out in Afghanistan. They don't even have good enough life insurance and have to take out their own. People choose to work however hard they want to in order to reap the rewards but are suddenly suprised when their kids don't know them and they're constantly too knackered to enjoy the things they're working for. Life is about balance. Is financial and material rewards better than being at home when your baby wants a story. I work for basic minimum wage in a menial job but I do it part time while my husband's in the Navy. We don't have much, we will struggle to buy a home, but we are there for eachother. I could have a career but I choose my family.

2. At 09:23 AM on 19 Feb 2008, Jeremy Price wrote:

   I was a senior police officer working 55-60hrs a week and on call out of those hours. Something had to give and eventually it was my heart. In the period to an operation I went through I examined working practices and decided much of the time was a result of presenteeism, career aspiration and time management. I know not everyone can easily change working practices but I did and delegation worked for me. Sadly, the operation was catastrophic and I decided to retire after my 30yrs rather than stay which I had always intended to do. Life is so much better now (it would be, wouldn't it!) but I have to say on reflection this was about time management and presenteeism and not being able to let go. Easy in hindsight and I do try to tell others this - will they listen?
   Jeremy

3. At 10:11 AM on 19 Feb 2008, wrote:

   What a sad bunch today's callers were (in the main). One woman said she worked up to 60 hours in order to get a promotion and that is exactly what her employer wants. Employers like this create and encourage a culture in which, if you want to get on, you are expected to work nearly half your hours for nothing.

   I run a small company and I insist that my people go home when they're due. Admitedly, i work hard and continue to think about my business in my own time but that's my choice and I certainly work no more than 45 hours a week.

   The point of work is to pay for the lifestyle you want. Work too many hours and you get no opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labours and, most importantly, you don't have a LIFE!

   And I quote "my daughter's in bed when I come home from work". Personally, I am at home to put my son to bed every single night because that is my priority.

   I love my work (most of the time!) but I love my family more, after all, that's what REALLY matters.

4. At 12:07 AM on 21 Feb 2008, wrote:

   The thing about long hours are that I am always planning great things and when they don't come to fluition I am very upset and angry only to plan for the next one. Like planning for summer, then it will be by Christmas etc.
   John Lennon sang life is what happens to you while your busy making other plans.
   He was probably right.