The Hidden Cost of Overworking—And How to Reclaim Your Time

The Hidden Cost of Overworking—And How to Reclaim Your Time

I remember when I was taking acute care surgery call, and an add-on case went late. By the time I realized it, I had missed my evening injection for my fertility meds. That moment stuck with me—not just because I had to deal with the consequences of a missed dose, but because I blamed myself for not planning better.

It made me question: Why is the system set up in a way that makes it nearly impossible to balance work and personal health?

Why Overworking Feels Like the Only Option

In high-pressure careers—especially in healthcare—the culture often tells us that work should come before everything else. We internalize this belief, pushing through exhaustion, skipping meals, and ignoring personal needs.

But here’s the hard truth:

• Work will always demand more from you if you let it.

• No one is going to hand you the balance you crave—you have to create it yourself.

• There will always be “one more thing” to do, but at what cost?

Breaking the Cycle

The first step is recognizing that you are not the problem—the system is. But while we can’t change the entire system overnight, we can change how we navigate it.

✅ Set boundaries with your time – If personal health is a priority, create non-negotiables around it.

✅ Pause before saying yes – Every commitment has a cost. Ask yourself: Is this worth sacrificing my well-being for?Remember that when you say yes to something, you are saying no to something else.

✅ Acknowledge that balance is a process – It’s not about getting it perfect, but about making conscious decisions that support both your career and your personal life.

If you’ve ever felt like work is taking over your life, you’re not alone. The key is realizing that your well-being is just as important as your job—because without it, what are you really working for?