How many hours do you actually spend working each day?
Actually working, not just pretending. The combination of socializing, replying to emails, and attending meetings can drain your day.
I worked my first 12-hour shift in the corporate world today.
Switching from a 9-hour workday, I documented my day into 30-minute increments to document my productivity.
Careers determine different hours. Doctors regularly work 12-hour shifts, a profession that determines life or death. So what regulates your time spent working?
Your hours spent working don’t correlate to productivity. Parkinson’s law states that work expands to the time allotted. One worker may complete a full day’s work in just three hours.
I believe the 9-5 hour workweek is dying.
Businesses want workers who get things done instead of fulfill a 40-hour minimum. The rise of Results Oriented Work Environment (ROWE) will eventually replace the 9-5 because it’s more efficient and cheaper for companies. Businesses can pay per-project, dodge employee payroll taxes, and save in commute expenses.
This also benefits employees. A ROWE means that you don’t have to be in the office at a set time (barring meetings). You can work for different companies at one time. You can stay home with your sick kids and still complete your projects. You can avoid rush hour traffic. And you’re a call away if anyone needs something.
Change is slow. But by documenting your daily work and productively, learning how to enter your state of flow, and discovering what you do best will prepare you for the future of work, no matter your hours.