The normal work hour here in Singapore is 40 hours per week. If you go beyond 40 hours per week, doesn’t get enough sleep and no time for the family, you are a workaholic. You have to be careful because overworking will lead to job burnout and that is never good for your health and your relationships.

If you are a workaholic, just know that you are not alone. Truth is, most Singaporeans are workaholics but it comes with a price. If you overwork, you are increasing your chances of having disease, more stress and anxiety. At some point it time, it takes a toll on your health that you are becoming less productive.

It is crucial that you manage it so you do not feel trapped. It is time that you learn how to manage it and change the situation. Here are some tips on managing overworking:

Stop being the victim

You tend to overwork because you do not want a pile of paper works waiting. Remember that you can control how much you work. While it is tempting to overwork and finish everything immediately, things can get messy if you push yourself too hard. The best thing that you can do is to talk or negotiate for staggered cut-off date. If you cannot make it, you have to ask for the help of your colleagues.

Understand it has long term consequences

You overwork to impress a boss or to get that promotion – all these are just short term. You fail to see the long term and negative consequences of overdoing it. According to some studies, if you overwork, you are more prone to stress-related illnesses like obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease and many others.

Lessen financial burden

It is understandable that you need every pay check you can get and you could use an extra. You just want to make more money to sustain your living but it will only make things worse. Do not compromise your wellness over some cash because it can take a toll on your health in the later years. It is a matter of what is important in your life. Just remember that material things will only make you happy temporary. Do not abuse the body by overworking just to meet both ends.

These things sound simple but it is actually hard to do. The important thing here is consistency. If you consistently do everything to prevent overworking, you will live a happier and lighter life.

 

Who doesn’t want to get ahead and be recognized at work, right? While there are some who seem to fit in well and get the perks—raises, promotions, etc.—effortlessly, most of us need to exert extra effort to make things come our way. Opportunities aren’t just going to knock on doors; you’re going to have to go out there and grab them yourself.

1. Quit Being a Perfectionist

It’s difficult—or even impossible—to get ahead if you want everything to be perfect. You have to accept the fact that sometimes our best isn’t good enough and that trying to be perfect at all times is just going to hinder us from achieving success.

2. Express Your Ideas

It can be scary to share your ideas, because what if you get laughed at, or worse someone steals your idea? The best you can do is to share it to a trusted co-worker. This lets you hear feedbacks from others that will shape your idea until it’s ready to be presented. Even if you feel sceptical, keep expressing your ideas because there’s always someone who’s going to think they’re great.

3. Highlight Your Strength

While you definitely need to work on your weaknesses, highlighting your strengths will get you ahead of your game instantly. You know what you’re good at, so make sure everyone knows it by taking every opportunity that allows your strength to shine. Maybe you make great project proposals or deliver outstanding presentations. Keep agreeing with them on such matters for everyone to notice how fabulous you are.

4. Remember That Recognition Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Regardless what your goals are, you can’t expect that to happen overnight. You need to put extra time and effort to climb your way up like everyone else. Don’t easily give up though. It’s easy to call it quits when you get passed over for a promotion, but patience and perseverance are the values you’re going to need to get you to the top.

5. Just Trust Yourself and Go for It

Sometimes, you just have to trust your instinct and go for it. Maybe that means talking to your boss and telling him why you deserve a raise or a promotion, or even leaving your current company and doing things your own. Sometimes, taking the risk is the best way to reach the top.

Getting your way to the top doesn’t happen without changing yourself for the better. You will need to show everyone the dedication and hard work for them to realize how deserving you are for career advancement.