My work epiphany came when my boss wouldn't let me attend a company sponsored charity golf tournament that I was invited to by the company. He told me I could go only if I used vacation time. It was about my time versus "company' time.

Till then I was always in early and left late. He was and did neither. I also gave up Sunday's to travel for business.

I changed my approach. I spent the 40 hours a week working, just like it said on my paycheck (40 hours). I traveled on a Monday and was home by 5 PM on a Friday.

I still did more than most, but not that extra. It also made me think about my life balance . I still put in extra time when needed, but not because.

My boss did what he did because he was a jerk. But it taught me something i never forgot and applied even when I was rid of him.

All of the time is your time. Use it wisely. Do your job, but do not be a slave to it.