The Everything Leader

I hold a bigger position in my current job than I did in my last role. Technically I have quite a number of people working under me and should probably have more free time than before. That has been an illusion, as I have consistently closed late hours due to a very heavy workload and am not too happy about it. I honestly don't think I'll be in the company for too long if nothing changes and my workload does not significant reduce.

Don't get me wrong, am not a lazy person by any stretch of the imagination. Those who have worked with me can attest to that. The major problem has rather been that the hours on this new role are punishing as it leaves very little time for anything else, compared to my last role that aided a more balanced life. I don't agree with the notion that working hard is defined solely by working long hours. I believe if the hours are put in consistently, there isn't a need to put in unnecessary extra time.

It is also worth stating that I'm not alone in this predicament. The company is known for being quite demanding and virtually everyone who holds any position of significance is bounded to work long hours. I just don't like it. I'm thinking of a way forward or a way out because while am not a quitter and do love challenges, I just don't see how this is a net positive long term.

My colleagues have told me I need to delegate tasks more between those I supervise. I've tried that. The problem with it is that many of these people don't take the job nearly as serious because they are on a contract basis and are not thorough with whatever duties they are given. This means that even when I delegate, I still have to follow up on it and more or less do a painstaking review that is as good as doing the task myself. Hopefully things change and I manage to shift the mindset of my people, or get better people who are more committed so the delegation thing can work better.