Going above and beyond? Pack light.

Growing up, I was always told that if I focused and worked hard I could succeed in life. You can be anything you want to be was a recurring mantra. Now, one of the things I want to be is less stressed from all the focused work hustle. The daily grind that was drilled into me under the guise of a strong work ethic has left a burned out hole.

Of course, now the job market is packed with people just like me. Turns out, even if we worked super hard, some companies felt it was too much (money) and still let us go. Many of us who were once comfortable in our regular 9-5s are struggling to find work no matter our preconceived ethics. We’re also competing with countless job seekers with similar backgrounds and burn marks. So how do we stand out? Is it time to go above and beyond again? Not so fast.

Taking initiative used to be synonymous with some of the following sweet perks:

1. Career Advancement. Going the extra mile meant climbing the ladder faster and opening doors to promotions and exciting opportunities.

2. Increased Visibility. Leadership took notice of those who took on more responsibility.

3. Skill Development. New tasks meant honing new skills and becoming even more valuable.

4. Stronger Relationships. Being the go-to guy or gal fostered trust and built connections with colleagues and clients.

5. Personal Satisfaction. Knowing you exceeded expectations came with a morale boost and sense of accomplishment.

While these weren’t always givens before, they've since lost some of their luster and perkiness. With the number of legit job openings dwindling, there's even less hope for advancement. Lately leadership is more focused on the bottom line than the number of humans on the payroll. News skills may be abundant, but the time and finances it takes to hone them are lacking.

That long trek to Above and Beyond also comes with the following souvenirs:

1. Unrealistic Expectations. If you’ve read recent job postings, it seems more companies expect new hires to take on multiple roles for the price of one. Then, once you show you can do it all, you’ll be expected to deliver at this level consistently.

2. Burnout. Wearing all the hats is physically and mentally exhausting.

3. Work-Life Imbalance. Between overtime and burnout, it’s harder to maintain

   a healthy lifestyle.

4. Lack of Recognition. You can still do all that work and never even receive a thank you, especially if higher expectations are the norm.

5. Undervaluation. Over-delivering may show you’re undervaluing your time.

6. Resentment. If you fulfill your duties, and then some, but don’t get recognized or advance in your career, bitterness may follow (understandably).

Finding a balance between over and under performing can help regulate expectations and moods.

Take it from someone who's climbed multiple mountains: if you plan on going above and beyond, don't overstuff your backpack. Take it easy on yourself. Stop at every lookout point to marvel at how far you've come. Even if the summit still feels miles away, lighten your load and enjoy the journey. Infuse joy into your daily life with activities that fill your soul to help sustain you along the way.