The Business of Busyness
Hola fellow Sunday Morning Coffee-ites. I took a full week off from work! Sorta. Kinda. I mean, mostly. I stayed at home because I was keeping the grandbabies while their parents had a little time away together, and I wanted to do some much-needed gardening, organizing, reading, and general stay-at-home stuff. But a client called with an urgent deadline, and some grant submission items came up unexpectedly, and…you know the story. But I got a good four days or so where I didn’t work at all, and I could’ve said no to some of what came my way, but the work itself was super interesting, so.
I was asked to join a virtual meeting during my supposed time off, which I was happy to do. There were three or four people on it, and as one participant was introducing herself, another person suddenly appeared behind her, and literally edging her over, looked into the camera and told us how busy they were, listing off a myriad of tasks and decisions they had to make, and ended with “get to the point because I’m important and don’t have time for general chit chat.” This is the person who actually called the meeting. Since I wasn’t really a principle player, but merely there for consulting purposes, I didn’t take it personally. And not taking something personally is a great way to observe. Everyone else was highly annoyed. The individual being edged out looked embarrassed. The person who was too important and busy to chit chat didn’t get to the point, actually, before they whisked away again to another, much more important meeting than this one…the one they asked for.
It made me think. I started taking note since then of how many times the response to my question “how are you?” is “Busy.” Or “overwhelmed.” Or “crazy busy.” Almost like we aren’t allowed to respond any other way.
In the United States, the phrase "hard work pays off" isn't just a motivational slogan—it’s a cultural cornerstone. Across industries and professions, the American work ethic is built on the belief that success is the result of long hours, tireless effort, and an unwavering commitment to getting things done. This drive has undoubtedly contributed to the country’s achievements in innovation, productivity, and economic growth. However, it has also given rise to a less glamorous phenomenon: the glorification of being busy.
In American culture, being busy is often equated with being successful, productive, and valuable. The busier you are, the more important you seem. But beneath this veneer of hustle and ambition, a deeper issue lurks. The constant pressure to overwork has led to a culture that not only values busyness but also places it above well-being, personal satisfaction, and sometimes even productivity.
The Myth of "Always On"
One of the most significant drivers of this overwork culture is the belief that success requires being "always on." Thanks to advancements in technology, the lines between work and personal life have blurred. Emails, meetings, and projects no longer confine themselves to office hours. Instead, work has invaded evenings, weekends, and even vacations, fostering the illusion that more hours mean more achievement.
In many workplaces, working late or staying "plugged in" after hours is celebrated as a sign of dedication. Employees who burn the midnight oil are often praised, while those who set firm boundaries between work and personal time may be seen as less ambitious or committed. This creates a cycle where workers feel they must constantly prove their worth by filling their schedules, staying busy, and being available at all times.
The Hidden Costs of Overworking
The culture of busyness, however, comes at a cost—both to individuals and organizations. Overworking often leads to burnout, where the mental and physical toll of long hours manifests in exhaustion, stress, and decreased productivity. According to studies, employees who work excessive hours are more likely to suffer from health problems, such as heart disease, anxiety, and depression.
Beyond the personal costs, the long-term effects on productivity can be significant. While working longer hours may seem like the path to success, research shows that it often leads to diminishing returns. Fatigued workers are more prone to mistakes, less creative, and slower in their decision-making. In fact, companies with overworked employees may see higher turnover rates and more sick days, undermining the very goals that this "work harder, longer" mentality is supposed to achieve.
Why Do We Glorify Busyness?
The question remains: why do we continue to glorify busyness when the drawbacks are so clear? Part of the answer lies in the American Dream—a concept deeply embedded in the nation's identity. The belief that anyone can rise to success through hard work fuels the idea that more work equals more achievement. For many, busyness is not just a reflection of ambition but a status symbol, a way to signal their importance, influence, and work ethic to others.
Social media also plays a role in perpetuating this narrative. In a world where people often display their work accomplishments for all to see, there’s pressure to "keep up" by showing how busy and productive we are. The never-ending stream of posts about early mornings, late nights, and nonstop hustle contributes to the perception that overworking is not just normal but necessary.
Redefining Success and Productivity
If the culture of busyness isn’t sustainable, how can we shift toward a healthier, more balanced approach to work? It starts with redefining what success and productivity truly mean. More hours do not necessarily equal more results. In fact, studies have shown that employees who take regular breaks, manage their time efficiently, and maintain a healthy work-life balance are often more productive and creative.
Businesses have a role to play in fostering this change. By promoting flexibility, supporting mental health, and encouraging time off, employers can help reduce burnout and boost long-term productivity. Workers should be rewarded not for how long they work but for the quality and impact of their contributions.
On an individual level, breaking free from the busyness mindset requires setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being. This means learning to say no, taking time for rest and rejuvenation, and recognizing that downtime is not a sign of laziness but a necessary part of sustained productivity and personal fulfillment.
The Path Forward
The American work ethic has long been admired for its focus on hard work, perseverance, and ambition. But as we continue to push the boundaries of how much work is expected, it’s worth asking: are we sacrificing too much in the name of being busy? The time has come to rethink our relationship with work and prioritize a more sustainable, balanced approach—one that values rest as much as effort and quality as much as quantity.
By challenging the glorification of busyness, we can begin to shift the culture toward one that truly values work-life balance, mental well-being, and long-term success.
I don’t really regret taking three days of a week where I didn’t expect to work actually working. Three out of seven ain’t bad. :) If I truly need a full seven days work-free for my physical or mental health, I take it nowadays. I didn’t use to be that way. Being raised in a solid middle-class working family, I was taught that working harder is better. I like working, and I do work hard, but it’s not my main reason for being, just one of my reasons for being.
So, I’m back to a semi-regular schedule (I say semi because nowadays my schedule isn’t really all that regular but instead is varied, which is how I like it!). But I’m throwing it out there that it seems like everyone is crazy busy, so maybe we should hold off regaling each other with just how overwhelmingly busy we are and instead find something more fun and uplifting to talk about. And if you ever consider edging someone out of a meeting just to tell all the overwhelmingly busy folks in the meeting how you are the MOST overwhelmingly busy…just…don’t.
Tip your coffee mug to the cooler temps that let us know glorious fall is on the way. If you’re in a heat wave at the moment, grab some iced tea. Fall WILL come. :)
Tallyho folks!
