Three absolutely universal truths I've learned that more people need to internalize:
1) Working extra hours only when something is really important or urgent means that everything will become really important or urgent and the long hours will be the expectation, not the exception. Yes even if your boss is nice and promises.
2) Working extra hours regularly will not be rewarded with any more pay, advancement, or job security than you would otherwise have gotten. I know they tell you it will, that they hang the reward over your head, but they are either lying or would have given it to you anyways.
3) People have all sorts of regrets when faced with death. That they didn't take a trip, or make amends with an old friend, or spend more time with their kids. But no one, absolutely no one, not executives or tradespeople or artists or doctors or charity activists, not 30 year olds or 96 year olds, NONE of them regret that they didn't spend more time working.
Work is greedy and persuasive. It will constantly wheedle and beg and negotiate for just one more morsel of your time or attention while promising a more than fair trade through lying teeth. Vehemently corral it into its allotted space in your life. Don't let it overstep its bounds even once. It does not deserve the time set aside for love or relaxation or connection or adventure or sitting on the couch watching TV.
This does not mean work is not important or fulfilling. Humans are inherently driven to contribute to society and do amazing things at work. It just means that keeping work in the space designated for work is important.
