In my own career I often grappled with the question: Is a good salary worth the cost of work overload?

• Are you compromising your health for work?
• Is tension at home straining your relationships?
• Do sleepless nights seem endless?
• Are you missing out on precious moments with your kids?

Work overload often masks itself behind a substantial paycheck. The corporate world can be unforgiving. Dangling a good salary as bait while your personal life pays the price. I hear the salary argument regularly from clients who literally suffer in their roles. So overloaded they can’t envision a way out, clinging to their pay as the only justification for the madness.

Leadership coaching: Your ally against work overload

Leadership coaching is a powerful ally in this battle against work overload. It’s not just about balancing your to-do list; it’s a transformative process that empowers you to redefine success on your own terms. If prioritising your wellbeing feels like a career risk, it’s a red flag that perhaps it’s the job, not your health, that needs a thorough reassessment.

It’s not just about getting by. It’s about setting a new standard for your professional life. It teaches you to identify and maintain boundaries, to say no without guilt, and to manage your workload in a way that leaves room for personal growth and happiness. You can have a lucrative income and still maintain a healthy, burnout-free lifestyle.

It’s about thriving, not merely surviving. It’s about taking the reins and steering your career towards a future where you can excel without paying the price with your health or happiness.

With my 20 years in the corporate world, I know first hand what I am talking about here.

More than just a paycheck

If your employer wouldn’t think twice about letting you go when necessary, why should you consent to burn out for their benefit? It’s a harsh reality to face, but it serves as a wake-up call for many executives and leaders who’ve been conditioned to place the company first at their own expense.

Your well-being is not negotiable; it’s the bedrock upon which your professional success and personal satisfaction are built. Don’t ever question your right to a life outside of work—one where you can unwind, engage in hobbies, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Don’t settle for second place in your life.

Share your thoughts with me or connect over LinkedIn.