In today’s corporate world, long work hours dominate professional life. Many believe that working harder guarantees success. However, a Chartered Accountant realized the true cost of overworking when her child’s drawing revealed what she had been missing.
The Moment That Changed Everything
A decade ago, Nitu Mohanka prioritized her career above everything else. She worked long hours, answered emails late at night, and never missed a client meeting. Work demanded her constant attention, and she rarely paused to think about the consequences.
One day, her five-year-old daughter handed her a drawing. The picture showed their family, but something was missing—her mother. When the teacher asked why, the child said, “Mama is always at the office.”
These words forced Mohanka to stop and rethink her priorities. She realized that measuring success by hours worked came at a steep personal cost.
Instagram | nitumohanka_life_coach | Nitu Mohanka realizes success means balancing work and family.
The Misconception of Hustle Culture
Hustle culture convinces professionals that grinding today leads to a better tomorrow. However, Mohanka discovered that excessive work drained energy, strained relationships, and reduced creativity. Instead of bringing more success, it left her exhausted and disconnected.
She also learned that productivity drops after 55 hours of work per week. Working beyond that limit does not improve efficiency. Instead, employees engage in “performance theater,” where they appear busy but accomplish little.
Long hours harm physical and mental well-being. Stress builds up, fatigue sets in, and relationships suffer. Many professionals believe they are making progress, but in reality, they lose valuable time with loved ones.
The Debate Over Extreme Workweeks
Discussions about work-life balance have sparked controversy. Corporate leaders have made statements that reignited the debate. S.N. Subrahmanyan, a top executive, encouraged employees to work 90-hour weeks and give up Sundays. His comments followed Infosys Co-Founder Narayana Murthy’s suggestion of a 70-hour workweek.
Subrahmanyan’s words triggered strong reactions. In a video, he questioned how long people could “stare at their wives” or how long “wives could stare at their husbands.” He urged employees to spend more time in the office rather than at home.
Many professionals pushed back against this mindset. Research proves that longer hours do not guarantee better results. Burnout reduces creativity, efficiency, and job satisfaction. The human brain functions best with rest, and neglecting personal life leads to long-term regrets.
Instagram | uniqueinahmedabad | Narayana Murthy's workweek suggestion faces criticism as experts warn about burnout.
Rethinking the Definition of Success
Mohanka’s realization serves as a reminder that success is about impact, not hours worked. Many companies now recognize that overworked employees perform poorly. Encouraging balance leads to higher productivity and job satisfaction.
A balanced work approach allows professionals to stay efficient, focused, and engaged. Quality matters more than quantity. Instead of chasing long hours, professionals should focus on meaningful contributions. Work and personal life improve when both receive attention.
A Shift Toward Meaningful Work
The corporate world has started embracing healthier work environments. More companies now acknowledge that employee well-being directly affects performance. Encouraging reasonable work hours improves morale, retention, and productivity.
Mohanka’s story proves that professionals must reassess their priorities. A child’s drawing showed her what years of hustle had hidden—the irreplaceable value of time with family. Work will always be there, but missed moments with loved ones never return.