How much overtime is too much?

Overtime becomes "too much" when it consistently exceeds 40 hours weekly, with studies showing negative impacts on health, performance, and safety above 50-60 hours, leading to stress, burnout, decreased focus, and higher injury risk, although the legal limit for required overtime is generally none for adults under the FLSA, except for specific industries or age groups. Signs it's excessive for you include fatigue, anxiety, strained relationships, and reduced productivity, signaling a need to set boundaries.

Can you lose money working too much overtime?

Financially, no, there is no breaking point. You will never have a smaller paycheck from working more overtime. You will pay a greater percentage in tax overall due to higher earnings, but you'll never take home less. Others have already shown this with calculations so I won't repeat the math.

At what point is overtime not worth it?

Overtime becomes not worth it when the diminishing returns of extra cash are outweighed by burnout, health risks, and lost personal time, especially when it costs you income-based benefits or pushes you into much higher tax brackets where a large chunk vanishes, making the sacrifice of sleep, family, and well-being for marginal gains unsustainable. A key point is around 50+ hours/week, as productivity drops, and health/injury risks rise significantly; for some, even 10-15 extra hours might be too much if it means missing family dinners or sacrificing sleep for a small net gain after taxes. 

How many hours of overtime is too much?

In California, the general overtime provisions are that a nonexempt employee 18 years of age or older, or any minor employee 16 or 17 years of age who is not required by law to attend school and is not otherwise prohibited by law from engaging in the subject work, shall not be employed more than eight hours in any ...

What are the signs of working too much overtime?

• Chronic fatigue. In the early stages, you may feel a lack of energy and feel tired most days...
• Insomnia...
• Forgetfulness/impaired concentration and attention...
• Physical symptoms...
• Increased illness...
• Loss of appetite...
• Anxiety...
• Depression.''

The Truth About Working Overtime: how much overtime is too much?

How much overtime is unhealthy?

Studies on the effect of long working hours on occupational injury have shown that overtime working increased the risk of occupational injuries [10,49,50,51]. Further, a study found that working 12 or more hours per day and 60 or more hours per week increased the risk of occupational injury [49].

What is the 42% rule for burnout?

42% – that's the percentage of time your body and brain need you to spend resting. It's about 10 hours out of every 24. By prioritising rest, we can improve our ability to cope with stress, reduce the risk of burnout, and enhance our overall well-being.

What is the 9 9 6 rule?

The 9-9-6 rule is a demanding work schedule: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, totaling 72 hours, originating in China's tech industry as a grueling push for productivity, leading to burnout and health issues, and sparking debate when figures like Infosys founder Narayana Murthy endorsed it for national growth, despite it being officially illegal in China since 2021.
 

What is the 8 80 rule for overtime?

The "8 and 80" rule is a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exception for certain healthcare employers (like hospitals) that allows them to use a 14-day work period instead of a 7-day week for overtime, paying 1.5x for hours over 8 in a day OR 80 in the 14 days, provided they have a prior agreement with employees. This offers staffing flexibility, but requires agreement and can be more costly if employees work long daily shifts, as standard FLSA rules pay overtime after 40 hours in a week. 

Is it illegal to work over 70 hours a week?

Yes, people can work 70 hours a week, and many do, especially in demanding fields like tech startups or maritime, but it's a significant commitment with major trade-offs for health, personal time, and potential burnout, requiring strong management and support systems to be sustainable. While U.S. law (FLSA) doesn't cap hours for adults, long stretches can impact well-being and productivity, so it's often a temporary strategy for growth or necessity rather than a healthy long-term routine. 

Can I get fired for doing too much overtime?

However, if the employee is working unauthorized overtime, they can be disciplined for doing so, including by termination.

Is it better to work two jobs or overtime?

It's better to work overtime for guaranteed pay and less stress if your main job pays well and offers OT; a second job is better for higher potential income (if higher-paid) or exploring new skills, but adds commute, childcare, and mental load, so weigh the hourly rate, your financial goals (bills vs. savings), and your tolerance for stress and fatigue. 

What's the most hours you can legally work?

2. Check what counts towards your 48-hour limit. You should include any time you spend on work you've agreed to do for your employer. You should leave out any time you've taken off work and rest breaks when no work is done.

Do I get taxed more if I work overtime?

No. Overtime isn't taxed at a higher rate than your regular pay. But your paycheck withholding might make it look that way.

What does being overworked feel like?

Feeling overworked means constant mental and physical exhaustion, losing joy in activities, becoming irritable or cynical, struggling to focus, having sleep/appetite changes, feeling overwhelmed, and experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, leading to burnout, isolation, and declining health. It's a state where your mind and body are pushed past limits, leaving you feeling drained, ineffective, and detached from work and life.
 

Do I get overtime if I work more than 40 hours in a week?

In California, employers are required by law to provide 1.5x pay for every hour an employee works beyond: 40 hours in a workweek. 8 hours in a workday. 6 days in a workweek.

What are the new OT rules for 2025?

For tax years 2025 through 2028, individuals who receive qualified overtime compensation may deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay (generally, the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation) that is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act and reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified ...

Can you realistically work 80 hours a week?

Eighty hours is 47% of an entire week. “Realistic” may sound like a stretch, but with the right approach, it's possible. The goal is to plan and organize your tasks efficiently to achieve sustainable productivity without burning out. Break your workload into manageable chunks by defining clear goals for each day.

What is the healthiest shift pattern to work?

The healthiest shift work schedule prioritizes circadian rhythm alignment, favoring forward-rotating shifts (day -> afternoon -> night), shorter night shift blocks (around 3), ample rest (3+ days after nights), consistent start times, and avoiding early mornings (<6 AM), with stable day shifts (9-5) often best for general health if possible. Schedules like "4 on 4 off" are popular for stability, while avoiding last-minute changes and ensuring enough off-time between shifts are crucial for preventing fatigue and improving well-being. 

Is 996 work culture real?

Yes, the 996 work culture—working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week (72 hours total)—is a real and intense work schedule, originating and still prevalent in China's tech industry, but now gaining traction in some U.S. tech startups, especially in AI, driven by high competition and a "hustle" mentality, despite being technically illegal in China and criticized for health impacts.
 

Is it better to work 5 8 hour days or 4 10 hour days?

The Pros of a 4/10 Work Schedule

According to Workforce Institute's research, it reduces employee stress and boosts their happiness and well-being. The extra day off allows employees more time to pursue personal interests, hobbies, and spend time with their families.

How many hours per week is unhealthy?

Research suggests working more than 55 hours a week can have negative effects on your health — and it's no wonder. When we sacrifice our health and personal responsibilities for overworking, we give up more than just our time and energy.

What are the 3 R's of burnout?

The 3 "Rs"-Relax, Reflect, and Regroup: Avoiding Burnout During Cardiology Fellowship.