Overtime is a Virtue
Old Wang was the company’s “overtime model worker.” Leaving at 9:30 PM was considered an early departure for him. He sported the characteristic programmer's receding hairline and perpetually wore dark circles under his eyes, looking like an insomniac panda. An unwritten “truth” circulated within the company: overtime is a virtue, not doing overtime is a lack of ambition.
This day, Old Wang lingered until ten o'clock before getting up. He skillfully shut down his computer, grabbed his thermos from the table, and found it empty. He sighed. Just as he was about to leave, his phone “dinged.” It was a message from his department supervisor: “Old Wang, you left too early today. You need to work harder on your studies!” Old Wang stared at the screen, speechless. He wanted to explain, but felt any explanation would be redundant.
Old Wang’s neighbor, Sister Pang, was an enthusiastic retired auntie. She danced in the square every night, and the dynamic music was Old Wang's only solace on his way to work. But today, the sound of the square dance was unusually quiet. Curious, Old Wang walked to the square and saw Sister Pang holding a loudspeaker, addressing a crowd: “Everyone, starting today, we are changing the time of our square dance. In response to the call of the times, it will now start at three in the morning. This way, we can exercise and not interfere with everyone’s work. It's a win-win! Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation!”
Old Wang stared at Sister Pang in shock. She wore a healthy and eerie smile, like a Columbus who had just discovered a new continent. He felt like he might still be dreaming. He pinched his thigh—it hurt.
The next day, the supervisor sent out a new notice in the company group chat: “Given that some colleagues are not proactive enough in overtime, the company has decided to adjust work hours to 2 AM to 10 AM, with a two-hour lunch break, and continuing work at 5 PM, with voluntary overtime after 10 PM. We hope everyone understands the company's good intentions.”
Old Wang stared blankly at the notice. His colleague, Little Li, jumped up excitedly, shouting: “Finally, I can do overtime legitimately! I need to perform well!” He frantically turned on his computer and started coding. Old Wang looked at Little Li and suddenly felt that he should be happy too.
On the third day, Old Wang woke up at one in the morning. He quickly drank some porridge and left for work. At the entrance of the residential area, Sister Pang was leading the square dance team, dancing energetically. Old Wang looked at them and suddenly felt that he should join them too.
“Old Wang, you’ll be late for work!” his supervisor's voice urged in Old Wang's ear. Old Wang nodded mechanically and turned to walk into the company’s door.
That night, Old Wang was finally able to leave work “normally.” When he walked out of the company, he found that the people in the square had already dispersed. Only Sister Pang was still standing there, holding a loudspeaker, speaking to the empty square: “Everyone, you've all worked hard today! We’ll see you at two in the morning tomorrow!”
Old Wang laughed, a genuinely happy laugh. He felt like he had finally found his place. He took out his phone and posted on his WeChat moments: “Overtime is a virtue; I will dedicate my youth to the company!” As soon as he posted it, he received a like from his supervisor. Old Wang smiled with satisfaction, feeling that it was another perfect day. He turned and walked into his empty residential area. He knew that tomorrow morning, he would be on time for work. This was his life.