We've all been there—burning the midnight oil, skipping lunch breaks, or replying to emails at 2 am because we believe that grinding harder than everyone else is the golden ticket to promotions and respect. But is it really? The truth is far more nuanced than a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

When hustle pays off

There's a reason 'hustle culture' has become a badge of honour. In the short term, putting in extra hours can create opportunities. For example, taking on high-visibility projects or stepping up during a crisis might earn you recognition from leadership. It is generally accepted that employees who occasionally work longer hours during critical periods are often perceived as more committed, potentially leading to faster promotions.

Industries like startups, finance, or consulting often reward 'always-on' mentalities. If you're gunning for a partnership at a law firm or a leadership role at a fast-growing tech company, showing grit during crunch times might help you stand out.

But here's the catch: this only works if it's sustainable and targeted. Think of it like sprinting in a marathon—you can't sprint the whole race, but a well-timed burst might help you pass competitors.  

The case against overworking

Flip the coin, and overworking isn't just exhausting—it's counterproductive. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon in 2019, linking it to chronic workplace stress. A Stanford study found that productivity plummets after 50 hours of work per week. By hour 55, you're basically getting nothing done except reheating coffee and staring blankly at your screen.

Beyond productivity loss, overworking tanks your physical and mental health. A 2024 study from the Journal of the American Heart Association states that work-related stress is a psychosocial risk factor linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Plus, when you're perpetually exhausted, creativity and problem-solving skills take a dip.

And let's not forget the social cost. Missing family dinners, cancelling plans with friends, or neglecting hobbies doesn't just harm your relationships—it erodes the parts of your identity that make you 'you'. Over time, that can leave you feeling hollow, even if your career looks 'successful' on paper.  

The middle ground: Work smarter, not (just) harder

The key to thriving without self-destructing is to focus on strategic effort rather than raw hours. Before diving into an all-nighter, ask: "Is this task actually advancing my goals?" Prioritise projects that align with your long-term career vision or your company's key objectives.

Keep in mind that boundaries aren't selfish—they're survival skills. A 2023 report by global consulting firm Deloitte found that 77% of professionals who set clear work-life boundaries reported higher job satisfaction. As such, try time-blocking your calendar, turning off notifications after hours, or saying "no" to non-urgent tasks.

Companies like Microsoft Japan and countries like the UK and Iceland have experimented with 4-day workweeks—and found that productivity increased. This is because when you're not fixated on clocking hours, you're forced to focus on outcomes. Track your accomplishments (e.g., "launched X project" vs. "worked 12 hours") to prove your value without burning out.  

Overworking can give you a short-term edge, but, likely, you'll eventually stumble. Sustainable success isn't about outworking everyone; it's about working with intention. If you're in a season where hustle is unavoidable (e.g., launching a business or upskilling for a promotion), pair it with recovery periods. And if you're stuck in a grind that never pays off? It might be time to reassess your role, company culture, or even your definition of 'success'.

Remember: Careers are marathons, not sprints. The goal isn't to collapse at the finish line—it's to keep running, growing, and enjoying the ride.