When I started at my company eight years ago, I didn't mind working long hours and going the extra mile. I like my job, boss and colleagues, but now feel that my schedule — 12-hour weekdays and some Saturdays — is unreasonable. I feel exhausted all the time. I'm married and have two kids and need to work less if I want to have a family life, which I do. What do you suggest?
Your first move should be to project yourself three to five years into the future to imagine the worst-case scenario if you were to carry on at your current pace. It's a good bet that you'll either have sacrificed your family or compromised your health, neither of which should be acceptable. Take action now by showing your boss the situation is serious and that you're facing a family crisis. Meet with him or her to prioritize your objectives and workload. Together, determine what can be taken off your plate or how you can accomplish your tasks in a reasonable amount of time — eight to nine hours a day, at the most. Make it clear that this is nonnegotiable. If you come to an agreement, write down the plan and work accordingly. Also, you may want to try and land a lateral promotion into a less demanding job within your company.
Even though you like your employer, no job is worth the risk of losing your family. Be open to the possibility of changing jobs altogether, especially if it will allow you to have a more balanced life.