The 20 Hour Work Week?
A few days ago, a client scolded me for not working during the weekend.
“I called you all weekend. Why didn’t you answer your phone?” she asked.
Well the first problem is that I had no record of her calling repeatedly. There was a log of one missed call early Friday evening. So she was either exaggerating or flat out lying. In either case, I use Google Voice to manage my business calls and clients who call after hours receive a message that informs them I’m closed for the evening or weekend.
I gently reminded her that I’m not on call 24/7. I’m a website designer, not a doctor, after all. This seemed to perplex her because she works from 7 A.M. – 10 P.M., only taking breaks for meals and church. Wow. Is that someone’s idea of a life?
This isn’t the first time I’ve been given a lecture either. Some people find it downright shocking that I have outside interests, hobbies, and goals, which have nothing to do with work. Further, they find it inconceivable that I don’t plan to spend my last dying breath working at my computer. Wild, isn’t it?
For the most part, I’ve adopted a 20-30 hour work week. I never reveal this to a client because I fear their head would explode. But it’s true. I’ve worked very hard over the last 15 or so years trying to improve my strategy as a designer. So when I do work, it’s concentrated into very detailed execution. Then I have free time to focus on other goals, such as working on my novel.
I’m not a big fan of the expectation to work 40 hours. The weird thing is that most people aren’t really working that long anyway. They waste a few hours on Facebook, a few hours reading news, maybe a little time playing games online. If you added up the actual work they did, it would probably just be 30 hours worth. So why not cut past all the crap and let employees working shorter shifts, therefore encouraging them to be efficient with their time? Get in, get out, and get back home so you can do the fun things you really like.
Many countries already use this system and have found it really is better. But here we’ve been conditioned to believe that we’re supposed to sit at a desk all damn day, and that somehow equates to being productive. Instead, I just think it causes people to burn out and lose their enthusiasm.
It’s something to ponder. Thankfully, being self employed, I’ve found a system that is successful and still provides a paycheck. Clients may squabble about it from time to time, but that’s okay. I’ll enjoy a glass of wine while they’re stuck at their desk.
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I will become your Administrative Assistant provided you keep me on that same 20-30 hours per week schedule.
I could totally get on board with this plan. I definitely don’t work the full 40-ish hours that I’m at my office every week. If I knew I only had to be there 4 hours each day, I could totally concentrate my efforts on my work and then get on with my day. Sounds like a great plan! If only I could convince my employer…