Engineers are used to having the long hours and heavy load at work that it has already become a lifestyle. That way, it paints the idea that you are hardworking, and therefore a standout. Whenever a higher-up pitches work at you, you accept without a doubt and get it accomplished right away even when unnecessary, because that’s what you think will uplift you in your career.While it is normal to think that way, especially when you are a newbie in the field clad with the overachieving mindset, engineers should realize that too much dedication has its toll.
The tendency of putting your blood, sweat, and tears in every task drains you out, more so when done in overtime work. It doesn’t guarantee engineers anyway that every late night at the office you commit is rewarded by the company. It just serves as a personal punishment.Perhaps the best way to stand out at work is to be sharpest at all times – that needs you to be mentally, physically and emotionally at your peak. And you can’t do that if you stress yourself out everyday. Go play!
Remember the iconic typewriter scene in The Shining? It said, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” That pretty much sums up how to become successful in your engineering career while still being sane. Balance is essentially the name of the game, and not exhausting all of your energy at work.Learn to manage your time wisely. Prioritize! This makes you consistent with tasks, and not only successful with a few ones and ineffective with most. You will only realize it later that you are already being eaten up by stress, fatigue and burnout when it’s too late. Your well-being and judgment are affected once you do not know how to live outside of your engineering job.
You feel tired and unfulfilled now because you have been doing it all wrong, despite all the energy you’re putting into your job. Stress can be avoided if you know how to organize your tasks in a day, while still getting the off-work boost. Know how and when to take a step back from the toxic demands of your job, so you’ll be able to perform at your best all the time.
