As a freelance social media manager, I’ve felt the pressures of maintaining a relentless work pace firsthand. The freedom that freelancing offers is often counterbalanced by long, unpredictable hours that can bleed into weekends and holidays. Recent studies and experts have highlighted the significant dangers of this trend, not just for freelancers but for many professionals across various industries.
The Toll of Overworking
Working from home during the pandemic, I found myself among the 34% of professionals who were working more than 8 hours a day regularly, as identified in a 2020 survey by staffing firm Robert Half. Additionally, the average workday extended by almost 49 minutes, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. This might sound familiar to many of you juggling endless tasks, from client management to content creation.
Frontline workers, such as healthcare professionals and emergency responders, experienced even more severe workloads, significantly heightening their risk of burnout. In 2019, the World Health Organization took the step of classifying burnout as an „occupational phenomenon,“ characterized by exhaustion, negative feelings towards one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. These feelings are something I’ve wrestled with during high-pressure projects or when client demands peak unexpectedly.
The Real Dangers of Excessive Work
The consequences of overworking extend far beyond job dissatisfaction. The World Health Organization reported that extended working hours led to 745,000 deaths from stroke and ischemic heart disease in 2016 alone, marking a 29% increase from 2000. Workers logging 55 hours or more per week faced a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared to those working standard hours.
In some countries, particularly in Asia, overworking has become such a prevalent issue that it has its own terminology, like „karoshi“ in Japan, which translates to „death from overworking.“ The health implications linked to karoshi include severe conditions such as stroke, cardiovascular disease, and even type 2 diabetes.
What Can We Do?
Preventing overwork requires a proactive approach from both employers and employees. Dr. Adam Perlman suggests that employers should maintain open lines of communication with their teams, encourage regular breaks, and ensure employees take their vacation days to rest and recharge. As freelancers, we need to set boundaries for ourselves, recognizing when to step back and prioritize our health.
For my fellow freelancers and anyone else in high-demand roles, remember that managing your workload effectively is not just about meeting client expectations or hitting deadlines—it’s also about preserving your health and well-being. Regular check-ins on your mental and physical health can make a profound difference. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed, and always prioritize your health above all else.
As we continue to navigate the demands of our careers, let’s remind ourselves and others about the importance of balance and the real risks of overworking. Our health is our most valuable asset, and it’s crucial we protect it.