It is given in business that success requires hard work. But not every organization has the same definition of hard work, especially when considering the number of hours that constitute a typical workweek. You'll find out soon enough when trying to make your mark early at a new job — mostly through observation — what the guidelines are in your company. Take note of how early most people arrive, how late they leave, and how laden they are with paperwork when they walk out the door. Yet another indication is how often you find people at the office on weekends.

The purpose here isn't to judge what's right or wrong but to understand the prevailing style in the company. Even if you are unusually efficient and can get your work done without working a 60- or 70-hour work week, the fact that you're arriving a little later and leaving earlier than most people could be construed as a sign that you're not as committed as everyone else. You have to decide if you're willing to adapt to the culture or risk possible career stagnation.