Being overworked and underpaid is no laughing matter. In reality, almost everyone has experienced this at least once in their lives. It could be at the start of their career or somewhere along the line.
There are so many signs of being overworked and underpaid, and a lot of these signs come with consequences. So many people believe that being overworked makes them look productive and hardworking.
But if we are being honest, it doesn’t. It takes a lot from you. You’re left with health issues and sleep problems. Learning how to deal with being overworked is also very important.
This article will cover what the signs you’re overworked and underpaid are and what happens when employees are overworked.
What are the signs of being overworked?
Here are a few signs you’re overworked and overstressed at your current job.
High Stress Levels
One of the signs you’re overworked and overstressed is the drastic increase in stress. Stress results from doing too much work and going above and beyond your capabilities. This means doing more than you can handle. It takes a negative toll on an individual, both physically and mentally.
The Morning Struggle
Another sign you’re being overworked and underpaid is the constant struggle to get to work. When you dread your work so much that you hate preparing for it in the morning, you could be suffering from being overworked.
Decreased Productivity
Productivity is a good thing because you put in the effort to get a job done. There are very clear results from being productive. But when an employee is overworked, they won’t have the energy to put in much effort to get work done.
There is Little to No Relaxation Time
One of the signs you’re overworked and overstressed is the aspect of not having any time to rest. You’re constantly busy with work and more work. You barely have time for yourself and certainly not to talk about your family and friends. This is an important sign to look out for.
Depression Sets In
Another sign of an employee who is overworked and underpaid is depression. Depression is a state of sadness and lack of interest. An overworked employee will not find anything exciting about their job and will end up hating it.
Lack of Sleep
If you barely have time to sleep because you’re trying to complete your task, you could be overworking yourself. Some people go as far as taking stimulants and caffeine so they don’t fall asleep. There’s no rest for the body, and it will affect how they work.
No Time to Catch Up
When it comes to being overworked, your friends and family members can easily detect the difference. The same way you don’t have the time to rest is the same way you don’t spend time with your friends and family. You are so occupied with work. You don’t leave work at work and rather bring it home, hence leaving no time for your loved ones.
How do I know if I am being underpaid?
We know money isn’t everything, but being overworked and underpaid is a big problem. Here are a few signs you’re overworked and underpaid:
No Raises
One of the signs you’re overworked and underpaid is how you don’t get any raises despite the amount of work you have done. For over two years, there’s been no change in your salary. You’ve tried to discuss this with your boss, but no one wants to hear it. You could be overworking yourself and be underpaid.
Research Says So
You know a lot of your friends who are in the same career as you, and they all have higher salaries. We don’t mean a $100 dollar difference. The gap is so much that you are left to wonder if it’s the same role. You are very certain that you do just as much work as they do, but your pay remains the same. You are definitely being underpaid.
Much Work, Little Pay
Another sign you’re overworked and underpaid is the excess work you get and the low salary you get. In this case, your boss keeps piling up the list of tasks you have to complete under a very tight schedule. But they never pay you extra for the extra work you take on—a big red flag.
What happens when employees are overworked?
When employees are overworked and underpaid, they fall victim to some consequences, which include:
- Burnout
- Health issues
- Poor performance
- Loss of weight
- Depression
- Insomnia
Conclusion
Understanding when you are overworked and underpaid is paramount to a healthy lifestyle. The signs discussed above will help you to learn how to deal with being overworked.