Those who work well beyond 40 hours per week are intriguing in many people’s eyes. What pushes people to go above and beyond at their jobs so much? Recently, men and women met in an online discussion to answer that question and revealed the many factors that inspire people to work more than they have to.
1. The Job Isn’t Complete Unless It’s Finished
Many people confess they take immense pride in their work and can’t leave their office or worksite until the project is finished. While some people are content to work their scheduled hours and then call it a day, some take the initiative to work above and beyond, but whether that’s financially wise is another story.
2. It’s Enjoyable
Enjoying work is wholly foreign to me, but apparently, many people love doing what they do. More power to them! “Some people enjoy working,” admits one man. “I personally enjoy being busy. Sadly my jobs tend to be nothing for three hours and then slammed for one hour and repeat. So I usually can’t wait to get off from work and stop wasting my life away.”
3. It’s an Escape From Home Life
Sadly, some people have only two choices: Stay at work long beyond what’s required or return home to a toxic environment.
Many men and women unhappy with their home lives confess to intentionally spending far more time than required at their jobs because it’s infinitely better than the alternative: going home and being unhappy!
4. They Are Their Own Boss
For many people who are their own boss, working beyond the standard 40-hour workweek is necessary. However, the long hours are flexible and do have benefits! “I’d rather work 50 hours a week whenever I want than be chained to a desk 9-5 Monday through Friday and have to request off for silly things like a 45-minute doctor’s appointment,” explains one small business owner.
5. Being at Home Is Boring
Work can be the best way to pass the time for anyone struggling with a disappointing social life. In addition, any moment you’re at work is a moment you’re making money, not spending it. “I’m single with not a lot of friends, so working extra is just something to do really,” confesses one man who routinely puts in 60-hour weeks.
“On days off, I just putter around the house doing random things that don’t really need to be done. Whenever I leave the house on non-work days, I spend too much money, so being at work all the time makes it easier on me financially.”
6. They Must Pick up the Slack
A handful of men and women reveal they feel obligated to work more because they’ve identified themselves as the best worker in their company.
Their rationale is simple: if the company runs most smoothly when they are there, the business is not in danger of going out of business, and thus they can continue to enjoy gainful employment in the future.
7. They Want To Be Seen as a Great Employee
Whether employees strive to be model team players or want to be recognized as one of the hardest workers in the company, some people seek to set an excellent example for others to follow. “Some people enjoy the work, but I enjoy not working more. But I do like being a positive player in my company and doing what needs to be done without getting walked all over,” expresses one worker.
8. Chasing Bonuses
Let’s not overcomplicate things: sometimes, it’s all about the money. Countless people profess they feel compelled to go above and beyond at their jobs because monetary bonuses will be collected once they reach certain milestones and checkpoints.
There’s nothing wrong with that; who doesn’t love being motivated by incredible incentives?
9. Your Work Helps People
Often people find themselves in occupations that can genuinely help people. Working as a doctor, lawyer, or social worker lights a fire inside some people who yearn to help as much as possible.
“If you have a job with a strong sense of mission, you’ll go 40 or more hours, easy,” explains one man. “For example, my wife is a lawyer who genuinely cares about her clients. She does it without hesitation if she needs to burn the midnight oil. I care about her clients too (she helps disabled people), so I pick up the slack at home.”
10. They Are Forced Into Overtime
People who take management roles in the restaurant industry are all-too-familiar with being forced to work overtime. In many cases, they sign on to manage a bar or restaurant on salary, and the owner forces them to work 10-12 hour days, five days a week.
Often, they cannot finish their shift until their work is complete, a feat that is near-impossible when a restaurant is busy! As a former restaurant manager, I know what I’m talking about.
11. They Take Advantage of Overtime
Conversely, hourly workers look forward to hitting overtime each week; this often triggers a time-and-a-half bonus for every hour worked on top of the standard 40.
In many cases, the money an hourly worker can make by working overtime can exceed the amount they make during regular hours — especially if they hit the 60-plus hour mark.
12. Some Obsess Over Accomplishment
Competitive and purpose-driven people often obsess over their work accomplishments. Some people genuinely love setting the standard in the eyes of their bosses and coworkers. “I take great personal satisfaction accomplishing things,” admits one woman. “Whether it’s figuring out an unfamiliar system, perfecting a process, or getting more media for our organization.”
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