Are You Really 'Working Yourself to Death'? Why You Should Be Proud of 'Working Normally'

"I'm working myself to death!"
When you hear someone say that, you think, "Wow, that's amazing..." don't you?
You imagine they might be putting their life on the line, cutting back on rest and sleep, and giving it their absolute all. That's the kind of image that comes to mind.

But you know, when you actually hear their story, there's often a common punchline.

"I wake up at 7:00 AM and go to bed by midnight."
"I take my weekends off and watch my favorite anime."
"I was a little tired, so I came home early today."

……Wait, you're just living a normal life.
Of course, I'm not saying that's a bad thing.
In fact, that's perfectly fine.
It's just that I feel a slight sense of discomfort with the weight of the words "working myself to death" when used like that.

For example, people who have truly worked "to death" on something sometimes can't even find the words to speak.
They might be so desperate in their efforts that they don't even have the luxury of realizing how hard they are working.
Let alone having the time to brag about it to others.

However, this isn't about wanting to blame anyone.

Rather, this is what I want to say:
"You don't have to make it sound so dramatic; you are working hard enough as it is."

"Working normally, living normally, resting properly when you're tired, and remembering to enjoy yourself."
I think we should acknowledge that kind of "normal hard work" much, much more.

Going to work every day,
raising children,
cooking for yourself,
and the days you spend pushing yourself forward even when you don't feel motivated,
all of these things are truly "working hard."

There is no need to compare yourself to others and think, "There are people who are more amazing."
And there is no need to put yourself down by saying, "I can't say I'm working hard because I'm not risking my life."

You don't need a "work yourself to death" standard for hard work.

So, why not rephrase it like this?
"I am working hard every day, in my own way."

I think it's okay to praise yourself once in a while, saying, "Good job for working hard."
It's not to brag to anyone, and it's not to compete with anyone,
it's just a gentle act of giving a little gold star to "today's you."

You don't have to force yourself to work "to death."
You are eating properly, sleeping properly, laughing, and moving forward little by little.
That is what is truly precious and wonderful.