Don't work invisibly.

I’ve been putting in weekend hours. Late nights. Early mornings. Trying to stay ahead—or maybe just not fall behind.

Startup life. Maybe that explains it.

But then comes the question: what happens when I want to actually use that unlimited PTO?

My mental math says, “Hey, I’ve worked a few weekends. I’ve earned this.”
But the optics? They didn’t see those weekends. They only see the time off.

Damn politics.

I don’t know the perfect strategy. Do you post on Slack at 11 PM so people know you’re grinding? Subtle posturing that sets a tone? That’s dangerous—it spirals into a 996 culture.

Maybe it’s about selectively showing your work:
“Hey, over the weekend I dug into X and uncovered this insight.”
Make sure the right people see it. Your manager. Decision-makers. The ones with power to promote—or cut—you.

Sure, peer visibility helps. But execs matter more when it comes to shaping your future.

The truth is: people won’t dig to uncover your value. They won’t connect the dots for you.
You have to show them.

Work that no one sees might as well not exist. Not in a political org. Not in a corporation. Invisible work doesn’t get rewarded.