Is It Worth It to Work Yourself to the Bone?

Language is symbolic, and one of the most commonly used structures of symbolic language is idiomatic expression. An idiomatic expression conveys meaning via metaphoric rather than literal expression. The meaning of an idiom cannot be inferred from the definitions of the words that comprise it. Break the ice. Cut corners. Piece of cake. Break a leg. Kill two birds with one stone. These are just a few examples of idioms that permeate vernacular English. A common idiom used in reference to work and labor is working oneself to the bone.

This particular idiom has its roots in the Industrial Age of the nineteenth century, when many employees faced dangerous, even life-threatening situations in their workplaces. Long hours, low wages, child labor, dangerous machinery, inadequate ventilation, poor sanitation, and a lack of worker protection led to widespread health issues and exploitation of the workforce. It was very possible to literally wear away the skin with excessive, unregulated manual labor. 

Today, working your fingers to the bone means to labor excessively. I was thinking about this expression as I reflected on last week’s blog about the CEO who does not believe employees should have any interests outside of making him more money. There have been multiple stories in the media about companies, particularly in the consulting and banking sectors, maintaining cultures akin to those of the Industrial Age. The consequences of such can be dire and horrific. Earlier this year, a 35-year-old investment banker at Bank of America died after working multiple 100-hour weeks. In July, Anna Perayil, a 26-year-old accountant at Ernst & Young, died after long hours, and a heavy workload took a toll on her health. Analysts at Goldman Sachs have described their working environment as a “white-collar sweatshop,” citing inhumane conditions that include 100-hour workweeks and mistreatment by colleagues. One analyst described it as “beyond the level of ‘hard-working,’ this is inhumane abuse.”

Companies that exploit workers in this manner do so by appealing to the Puritan idea that hard work and perseverance are the keys to success. They prey on employees who derive their worth from their ability to endure hardship. The idea that suffering is necessary allows workplaces where new hires especially have to work very long hours or get paid very little to prove their commitment to the institution or its mission. 

Your employer should not make you suffer, and you should not accept such suffering. The phrase “necessary suffering” is abhorrent and is nothing short of workplace hazing. No job and no amount of money is worth your health. If you find yourself in a high-pressure, toxic situation at work, I suggest the following:

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life.

Document Incidents: Keep a record of any toxic incidents or interactions at work. This documentation can be helpful if you decide to address the issue with HR or seek legal advice.

Update Your Resume and Explore New Opportunities: Keep your resume current and actively search for job openings that align with your career goals and values.

Support Your Mental and Physical Health: Increase your social, creative, and physical activities to ensure you start and end the day with things that bring you joy.

No job and no amount of money is worth your health. It’s crucial to establish and maintain healthy boundaries, find a trustworthy confidant, and prioritize your mental and physical health. Regardless of the path you choose, remember that your well-being comes first. You have the power to control your career and choose a healthier, happier future for yourself.