Is Working Overtime Really Helping Your Career? 

Late nights. Skipped lunches. Logging back in “just for an hour” after dinner. For many professionals across the property sector, overtime has become the norm — not the exception. 

But does working longer actually mean you’re progressing faster? Or is it just leading to burnout and blurred boundaries? 

Here’s a breakdown of when putting in extra hours might help and when it could be working against you. 

 When Overtime Can Be Worth It 

Let’s be honest — in project-based industries, peaks and deadlines are sometimes unavoidable. There are moments in your career where rolling up your sleeves and going the extra mile can genuinely pay off. For example: 

• You’re learning a new role or stepping up: Taking time to get up to speed or support your team can show initiative and build trust. 

• A critical deadline needs all hands-on deck: If your extra time directly contributes to project delivery, it can strengthen your value within the team. 

• You’re taking ownership: Proactively solving a problem, not just ticking boxes, often means going beyond your job description — and that can get noticed. 

In these situations, working a little extra can demonstrate reliability, commitment, and leadership potential. 

When It Starts to Work Against You 

That said, when overtime becomes the default rather than the exception, it’s often a red flag — for both the role and the wider culture. Here’s when it becomes an issue: 

• It’s expected — but never acknowledged 
  If no one notices your extra hours (or worse, they assume it’s standard), your effort isn’t being valued — and might even be taken for granted. 

• You’re covering for poor planning
  Constant last-minute rushes or vague briefs can be a sign of deeper issues in project management, not your lack of efficiency. 

• You’re burning out 
  If you’re sacrificing sleep, health or personal time, your long hours could lead to decreased performance — and mental fatigue that’s hard to bounce back from. 

• There’s no end in sight 
  A short-term crunch is one thing. But if you’re working 50–60 hours every week with no discussion about resourcing, progression, or support? That’s not sustainable. 

What to Do If You’re Caught in the Cycle

If you’re stuck in an overtime-heavy culture and unsure how to handle it, here are a few tips: 

1. Track your time 

Keep a simple log of what you’re working on and how long it takes. It can help you spot patterns — and make a stronger case if you raise concerns. 

2. Communicate capacity early 

Be honest about your availability, especially when new tasks come in. “I can do X by end of day, but Y will need to wait until tomorrow, shall we prioritise?” is a useful line. 

3. Set boundaries — and stick to them 

Log off when you say you will. Don’t reply to emails at 10pm unless it’s genuinely urgent. Lead by example and protect your time. 

4. Raise the conversation 

If the workload is consistently unmanageable, speak to your line manager. Focus on solutions: “I want to deliver quality work, but I need help with resourcing to maintain it.” 

Progression Doesn’t Mean Sacrifice

Putting in a bit of overtime here and there won’t ruin your career. But if your success depends on consistently over-delivering without recognition, it may be time to rethink the environment you’re in — not just your approach to work. 

At Hunter Dunning, we speak with candidates every week who feel stuck in roles where they’re giving everything… and getting little back. 

If you’re ready to find an employer who respects your time and your talent — we’re here to help. 

Looking for a better work-life balance without stalling your career?

Contact our team for a confidential chat or browse our latest roles that offer both challenge and support. 

Contact us here