The ABS’s annual Australian Social Trends report released today contains an interesting article on overemployment, which notes:

Between April and July 2007, the ABS surveyed Australian workers aged 15 years and older about their employment arrangements. At that time, around two-thirds (65%) felt they were working close to their preferred number of hours. While 1.4 million workers (14%) wanted to work more hours, about 2.2 million (21%) preferred to be working fewer hours.

The ABS article made me think of a great book I read recently by US sales guru Grant Cardone, The 10X Rule. Even if you’re logging 50-60 hours a week, Mr Cardone probably wouldn’t be impressed. He wants you to have 10 times the ambition and expect to work 10 times as hard to achieve your dreams. Mr Cardone’s wisdom includes:

Success is your duty…

Average is a failing formula…

Competition is for sissies…domination is immunity!

Obsession isn’t a disease; it’s a gift…

Pure gold. Mr Cardone’s book is either a recipe for massive success or total burnout. Either way, it’s a great read, and I highly recommend it.