Shadows in the Night

When we talk about shadows, we usually think of dark figures or fears from our memories. But this time,  let’s explore a different kind of shadow. The shadow I want to talk about here reflects something we all experience at some point in our lives: the overlooked efforts of hard work. My hope is that this post will encourage you to feel more comfortable and engaged with a new way of thinking about what it means to work hard.

Let’s start by combining two ideas: "sweat" and "night owl." We all know these terms, but perhaps not in the way they will be defined here. The aim is to explore the grey areas of our understanding—areas we may not have considered before.

Personally, I’ve always found it natural to observe and understand people’s behaviors. Recently, I noticed something interesting: people tend to admire those whose hard work is visible. For example, when someone’s clothes are soaked with sweat, they’re often seen as more hardworking. On the other hand, those who aren’t visibly sweating or exhausted can be perceived as less committed or hardworking. We also often hear that those who work hard before sunset are the ones truly benefiting their communities. But is this really true?

This brings us to the concept of how we define a night owl. Many people thrive after the sun sets, and it’s time we broaden our thoughts to appreciate their efforts. These diligent individuals—whether they’re students staying up to study for a big test, an office worker finalizing a creative project, or an emergency responder providing essential services—are contributing just as much as those who work during the day. Their hard work may happen in the quiet hours when everyone else is asleep, but it’s no less valuable.

In many Asian cultures, we often hear comments like, “Why are you not studying? Finish your homework already!” or “Don’t you need to work?”. These kinds of comments can feel frustrating, especially for those who work hard without the public recognition that comes with working in the daylight. It is as if we’ve been conditioned to praise what we can see—those soaked in sweat in the daylight—but what about the quiet achievers, those who work diligently in the night, away from the spotlight? Just because we don’t witness their effort doesn’t mean they aren’t contributing equally or facing their own set of challenges.

It’s time we expand our appreciation for hard work and stop relying on outdated standards that equate visible effort with value. Whether their efforts are drenched in sweat beneath the sun or carried out quietly under the stars, both are equally important. Let’s challenge the biases that keep us from seeing the full picture and respects the diversity of work styles. By doing so, we’ll create a more supportive, inclusive community where everyone’s contributions are valued, no matter what time of day they come to life.

So the next time you think about hard work, don’t just look for the sweat. Look for the dedication that might be happening in the shadows. Because whether in daylight or starlight, every effort counts.