6 answers
Shaina
Student
Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines
51
Questions
Asked
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Which one would you choose do the task outside work time/no stress next day but might give new assignment or finish work on the next day if not amenable EOD ?
For context, still an intern but i feel like i'm slow in progress so I was wondering what to do. Choices are the ff:
a. finish tasks EOD, can overttime , new tasks next day
b. do not finish tasks outside work -> lead to stress -> slow progress, behind timeline
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6 answers
Roberto Velazquez
Sales Operations - Program Manager
5
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Roberto’s Answer
Hi Shaina, That’s a very common dilemma, especially early in a career, from my experiences, being "slow" is normal at the start. It’s better to deliver high-quality work tomorrow than rushed work with errors today, It’s not about working overtime every day, it’s about clearing your desk today to have mental clarity tomorrow. talk to your lead. Try saying: 'I feel I’m moving a bit slower than expected because I’m making sure I get the details right; would you prefer I finish this today even if I stay a bit late, or should I pick it up first thing tomorrow?' This shows responsibility and takes away the guesswork of what he expect from you, communication with your leader its always key.
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
862
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Shaina.
Working a long day or a weekend is all about what the context is. First of you, work takes as long as it takes, so you will begin to learn about what the job takes. I work in a role where my clients come to me and they always want it today or tomorrow. I work in training. Good training is not developed in two days. It is part of my job to make sure that whoever is giving me work needs to know what the work really takes. That means you need to know how long something takes you and defend that time.
Also there is very little value in working longer in a single day. Most people I know are not able to do good work after working a long day. There is value in getting rest and coming back to work refreshed and energized. In most cases, unless it's an emergency, I just leave the work to the next day. You need the balance of prioritizing work and life.
Gloria
Working a long day or a weekend is all about what the context is. First of you, work takes as long as it takes, so you will begin to learn about what the job takes. I work in a role where my clients come to me and they always want it today or tomorrow. I work in training. Good training is not developed in two days. It is part of my job to make sure that whoever is giving me work needs to know what the work really takes. That means you need to know how long something takes you and defend that time.
Also there is very little value in working longer in a single day. Most people I know are not able to do good work after working a long day. There is value in getting rest and coming back to work refreshed and energized. In most cases, unless it's an emergency, I just leave the work to the next day. You need the balance of prioritizing work and life.
Gloria
Flower xu
41
Answers
Updated
Flower’s Answer
Work is never truly finished, so don’t push yourself too hard all the time. Your energy and mental health are important too. As an intern, it’s normal to be slower while you’re still learning and adjusting.
I think it’s better to manage tasks based on urgency and importance instead of always working overtime just to finish everything. If something cannot be completed by EOD, communicate with your manager or teammate early and give an update on your progress. Most people understand as long as you are responsible and transparent.
Doing overtime occasionally is okay, but constantly sacrificing your rest can lead to burnout and even lower efficiency later. A healthy and sustainable work rhythm is more important in the long run.
I think it’s better to manage tasks based on urgency and importance instead of always working overtime just to finish everything. If something cannot be completed by EOD, communicate with your manager or teammate early and give an update on your progress. Most people understand as long as you are responsible and transparent.
Doing overtime occasionally is okay, but constantly sacrificing your rest can lead to burnout and even lower efficiency later. A healthy and sustainable work rhythm is more important in the long run.
Jing Wang
Business Support
49
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
It also depends on. If it's urgent and important task, yes, it's better to finish it within deadline. Agree to Roberto, having a smoothly communication with your lead is very important. If your workload is too heavy, you need to let your lead know there is a risk on work assignment which might impact task quality and customer's satisfaction. It's OK to have overtime sometimes but for sure it doesn't make sense to overtime daily.
From long term perspective, take time to be familiar to time management, such as Eisenhower Matrix, which is helpful in our whole career journey.
Best wish and good luck.
It also depends on. If it's urgent and important task, yes, it's better to finish it within deadline. Agree to Roberto, having a smoothly communication with your lead is very important. If your workload is too heavy, you need to let your lead know there is a risk on work assignment which might impact task quality and customer's satisfaction. It's OK to have overtime sometimes but for sure it doesn't make sense to overtime daily.
From long term perspective, take time to be familiar to time management, such as Eisenhower Matrix, which is helpful in our whole career journey.
Best wish and good luck.
Emma Kaufman
Consulting
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Hi Shaina!
This is a great question. I would recommend talking to your manager about the best options, and raising your concerns early. Often, deadlines can be shifted and tasks can be reprioritized. If you communicate early and often, people can help you restructure your day and your tasks so that you can get the rest that you need at night/over the weekend!
This is a great question. I would recommend talking to your manager about the best options, and raising your concerns early. Often, deadlines can be shifted and tasks can be reprioritized. If you communicate early and often, people can help you restructure your day and your tasks so that you can get the rest that you need at night/over the weekend!
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
65
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Shaina!!
I think the healthiest long-term approach is finding a balance between responsibility and rest. Sometimes finishing an important task after work can reduce stress the next day, especially when deadlines are close. However, constantly working overtime can eventually lead to burnout, lower motivation, and reduced productivity.
Since you are still an intern, it is completely normal to feel that your progress is slower than expected. Learning takes time, and growth in a career is usually gradual. What matters most is consistency, communication, and building sustainable work habits.
One strategy that may help is prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance. If something is critical, staying a little longer occasionally may be reasonable. But if overtime becomes your daily routine, it may be a sign that the workload or expectations need adjustment.
Remember that rest is not laziness — it is part of maintaining good performance and mental health over time.
Wishing you success as you continue learning and growing in your career!
I think the healthiest long-term approach is finding a balance between responsibility and rest. Sometimes finishing an important task after work can reduce stress the next day, especially when deadlines are close. However, constantly working overtime can eventually lead to burnout, lower motivation, and reduced productivity.
Since you are still an intern, it is completely normal to feel that your progress is slower than expected. Learning takes time, and growth in a career is usually gradual. What matters most is consistency, communication, and building sustainable work habits.
One strategy that may help is prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance. If something is critical, staying a little longer occasionally may be reasonable. But if overtime becomes your daily routine, it may be a sign that the workload or expectations need adjustment.
Remember that rest is not laziness — it is part of maintaining good performance and mental health over time.
Wishing you success as you continue learning and growing in your career!