Consider going down at work to four days a week.
The writer of this tells this tidbit is based on taxes, not one’s well-being. I know lots of folks who would gladly drop from five four days a week of work – but their bosses won’t let them. It seems the opposite is happening: people are working every day to some degree, thanks to the so-called ‘time saving devices’ of email, cellphones, and the internet.*
I’ve been at my work-station since 2005 and I’ve seen many part-time employees come and go for Medicine is not a part-time job. The patients, calling on Friday for refills and crisis matters, don’t like being told their doctor or nurse works only Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and every other Thursday and the message will have to wait until then. Is my memory right on this one?: itt wasn’t too long ago if you were told your attorney, doctor, therapist, etc. were away for some reason, you had to wait, and while it was tedious, we did OK. It was a tradition in Psychiatry to take the entire month of August off, and patients had to muddle-through somehow until Labor Day. Now, the paging service starts calling me in alarm if I don’t respond to their text to call, sometimes calling me in less than five minutes, why I haven’t called.**
Americans in my opinion (this may apply to Canadians too) are anxious and suspicious about not working. The world may not spin if they aren’t at the helm; they fear they will miss out on something, or they will be seen as lazy do-little loafers not worthy of a job. That last point is worth looking at. I think a lot of my patients are wary of working less (even when they know they should) lest they be seen in a negative light by their taskmasters. Asking for a four day work week (let alone no work on weekends) is the 21st-century of Oliver Twist asking for more gruel. Oh the horror.
If I had a choice between working only four days a week or working M-F with no work before 8AM and none after 5PM, I would choose the latter. Going to 4 days a week would not slightly improve my life – not unless my job or society changes.
Do you work 4 days a week?
Do you think you could?
Do you think Americans are working ourselves to death? (or, if you are from a more civilized country, one with universal healthcare, for example) do you have four day work weeks?
*Have you ever gone to a place that doesn’t have ‘time-saving devices’ only to discover you have plenty of time?
** My turned-off phone for attending the theatre, meals at home or in restaurants, for taking a nap apparently borders on malpractice these days.
Spo-Reflections 
40 comments
January 25, 2022 at 4:54 AM
David Godfrey
Do you work 4 days a week? No, a five day schedule. probably 8 out of 10 weekends I don’t look at my office email, I am almost impossible to reach by phone. I turn my office off at night.
Do you think you could? Four 10 hour days is a struggle for me, 8 or 9 hours and I am spent. Working 30 hours a week, I would need to delegate and trust, in other words, do less.
Do you think Americans are working ourselves to death? (or, if you are from a more civilized country, one with universal healthcare, for example) do you have four day work weeks? I certainly see people working until they die, probably not from overwork, as the work is not physically taxing, but leaving the office to close to the final curtain. Remind me of this in December of 2023.
January 25, 2022 at 6:52 AM
Urspo
I envy you/your types that can close shop for the weekend and be done with it. It must be very good on your wellbeing.
January 25, 2022 at 6:25 AM
DwightW.
I have and did in my own practice work Monday thru Thursday Successfully and paid an employee to work in the offices on my off day. I think tightening a work schedule removes a lot of the dead weight and the serious cases are treated. I also think that 7 days a week always seemed to lead to seekers and abusers who were not patients of my practice . In the early days I even listed my home land line , prior to cell phones because I thought I had to. In the corporate setting the company I worked for blacked out every day that was desirable, especially the week between Christmas and New Years. I have always thought working Smart , is just as Productive as working hard. People do work differently and can successfully as the pandemic has shown. People who care about their patients can do it in four days not five. Private practice gives more options corporates actually, do not care , about your well being. Maybe it’s not intentional. I think there is a reason all my medical doctors the first words out of their phone system is , “If this is an emergency call 911”
January 25, 2022 at 6:53 AM
Urspo
I would love to steer the culture where I work to ‘he works 4 days a week” or even 5 to start with. Right now people/patients demand I am there 24/7 and take umbrage if I don’t respond to anything within ten minutes.
January 25, 2022 at 10:59 AM
Dwight W.
My physician is available 24/7 . My internist. He is what you call , concierge medicine .I pay 450$ a quarter for this luxury .
January 25, 2022 at 6:40 AM
Robzilla, Native Of Slam Diego
I’ve worked 10 hour days. They suck. I’ll stick with five.
January 25, 2022 at 6:54 AM
Urspo
I hear tell corporations are beginning to connect the dots they have better employees/work even productivity by not working folks constantly. Let us hope this changes some culture to better work habits.
January 25, 2022 at 6:52 AM
BadNoteB
What an excellent post on a timely topic given the current epidemic of “take this job and shove it” infecting our domestic job market.
My mate’s employer adopted a 4 x 10 work schedule at the height of the pandemic last year, with work weeks staggered to maintain 5 day operations. My mate was sucked in by the allure of 3-day weekends. I was skeptical toward the idea but able to keep an open mind. After a one year trial it’s safe to say we are in agreement the experiment has been a failure.
Neither of us anticipated the physical and psychological toll that 14-hour workdays (from alarm clock dash in the morning through end of rush hour traffic at night) would take. Sunday evening through Thursday is consumed by exhaustion and increasing crankiness as each week progresses. There’s very little quality time together midweek and a limited social life has completely evaporated. That bonus extra day off is devoted to neglected sleep while the traditional weekend is focused on mental recovery and rushed preparation before the treadmill resumes for another week. The 3 days off gives EvilBossBitch time to compose “urgent” memos and honey-do lists for managers’ e-mailboxes while the staggered work week leaves a staff of employees expecting guidance and direction via electronic communication on his Fridays off.
What’s not to love about a career like this? We’re fortunate to have a strong relationship and maturity to understand the effects of stress on emotional health. When layered atop the challenges we’ve all faced in dealing with the pandemic, there are times it’s difficult not to feel overwhelmed.
January 25, 2022 at 6:56 AM
Urspo
‘The Great Resignation’ has at its core some sense the work type/hours etc. aren’t good nay can be toxic. It is hoped some things will change from the lessons learned. Let us hope so.
January 25, 2022 at 7:10 AM
jenn
This IS a timely topic. Firstly, in my neck of the woods, it is quite common that you cannot talk to / communicate with your physician or mental health physician on a given day, or even be able to see him or her for weeks. I’m not saying that it’s a good situation, but that’s the reality.
When I went to online teaching at the beginning of the pandemic, before I retired, I discovered that I was tethered to the computer. I received emails from parents in the evening hours and felt compelled to respond to them at whatever time I received them. My daughter, who is now also working online in her communications job, consistently stays online, working, well past the time she would have physically left her job if she had been there in person.
“Clocking out” and actually getting up and getting in your vehicle and leaving your work place (and your work computer if that’s the case) behind signals that your work day is done and you are on your own time now. But when you can literally work (for some people, obviously not all jobs lend themselves to this) from your bedroom if you wish, the start and end times are blurred.
I do know some people (teachers) who worked “part time”, but they had to be in a strong financial position (spouse had a well paying job) to begin with. -Jenn
January 25, 2022 at 7:15 AM
Urspo
Thank you for this. There are a group of job types that seem to have ‘fixed hours’ but in reality expand a lot into their home life. Teachers I believe are right up there. Curious, in my field this varies by specialty. Sooner I’d eat rats at Tewkesbury than do SIL #3’s job: ER physician. but to her credit, when she is not working, she is NOT working. Brother #2 and myself (radiologist and psychiatrist) are constantly doing charts/notes/taking calls at all hours.
I often hear from my patients they feel unable to contact their physician. I think that is why I try very hard to answer all calls by day’s end – even if this means calling folks at home/after dinner. This callback seems to make all the difference, even when objectively I don’t think I do any good otherwise.
January 25, 2022 at 7:11 AM
Autolycus
What with such long periods of working from home, there’s been lots of talk here about mixed in/out of office working becoming a permanent feature, and also four day weeks or similar flexibilities. But I’d guess (from my lofty vantage point of retirement, after a working career of quite some personal flexibility in terms of time allocation) that there are plenty of people it wouldn’t suit as much as those who do. Big firms in the same sort of business are adopting all sorts of different positions, too.
As for convenience for doctors’ patients – well, we’ve been used, for years now, to group general practices where they all have access to the same notes and records, so for a lot of business I for one don’t expect to see the same doctor every time – repeat prescriptions can be done online (and I have no idea who signs – or rather squiggles or presses the electronic buttons – the authorisation). Likewise, if they want a review, it could be any of the doctors or nurses. It all suits me, but then, I’m still in the period of prophylactic treatment only: maybe it would be different if I really were ill and/or stressed/anxious about it.
And I see from this morning’s newspaper that dementia patients do better and seem to need less medication if they see the same doctor all the time (I assume a research paper from the University of the Bleeding Obvious).
January 25, 2022 at 7:20 AM
Urspo
Yes, this is quite true: frequent check-ins even when ‘nothing really substantial is being done” does a lot. I have a handful of people who drop in regular to ‘vent’ or check-in, and apparently leave no different, but this check-in I know does them good.
I get a lot of points for saying to someone I feel I am not doing much good for “I’d like to see you back soon, as I am worried about you, can I see you in a month’s time?”
January 25, 2022 at 7:12 AM
Debra She Who Seeks
My entire legal career was spent maneuvering myself out of the crazy, work-til-you-drop insane mentality of private practice to a more normal-paced, 40 hour work week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 schedule. I had to sacrifice money and status to do it, but it was all worthwhile. Life is too short to work yourself into an early grave.
January 25, 2022 at 7:17 AM
Urspo
I remember Father (particularly before he made ‘partner’) working a lot into the evenings and on weekends. It seemed a hard life, being a lawyer. On the other hand, I think every minute was billed, unlike my off time work, which is lumped as ‘noblesse oblige’.
January 25, 2022 at 7:33 AM
johnmichael42003
I would opt for four days a week, but everyone in my office would have to as well.
Little tidbit about me: I get anxious when I have the day off. You are right, not working makes me feel useless. I also have this fear that if I do take a couple days off, the office might realize they don’t need me…and that in itself creates a whole day of feeling anxious.
January 25, 2022 at 7:41 AM
Urspo
Lots of folks feel similar: if they are away or not working hard , others would see ‘we can do Ok without” and your job would be in jeopardy. I think managers exploit this fear to keep folks at the grindstone.
January 25, 2022 at 8:00 AM
wickedhamster
Well said, Herr Doktor.
January 25, 2022 at 9:37 AM
Urspo
Thank you; I try anyway.
January 25, 2022 at 9:23 AM
Anne
Dearest Spo, I feel like I’m turning into your Auntie with my gentle scoldings, but it does seem to me that some of your problems are of your own making. Of course the overlords and the patients want you available 24/7 and “take umbrage” when you are not. They are not going to change, either of them. We are ALL selfish SOBs. So make some boundaries in your life. Let patients and staff know you are NOT available nights, weekends and vacations. And stick to it. Will they try and push those boundaries? Of course they will. Forget about a four day workweek, just get your nights and weekends back. Most clinics have one doctor on call each day, for true emergencies. As for the overlords thinking less of you, didn’t you just get a nice bonus and a raise? They are obviously thrilled to have you.
Come on man, stick up for yourself.
January 25, 2022 at 9:39 AM
Urspo
I love my Auntie Anne!
Only some? most of my problems I imagine are of my own makings.
As for the culture, that is hard to change but not impossible. Happily most of reality is negotiable.
PS. No sign of raise or bonus……
January 25, 2022 at 12:48 PM
Parnassus
How is all this even a slight improvement? For any employees above a certain basic level, employers will abuse that extra free day the same way they do weekends. Employers will abuse you either way, and are constantly investigating new methods. That is just one of many reasons I decided to become independent.
–Jim
January 25, 2022 at 2:00 PM
Urspo
Independent workers have the advantage no boss over them to tell them to work more. It seems most psychiatrists in PHX are strict ‘pay out of pocket’ so insurance companies don’t tell them what to do.
January 25, 2022 at 1:56 PM
Alicia
I work Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. At one time about 10 years ago I brought up to my bosses that my coworker and I wanted to change to 4-10 hour days and have 3 days off. I would work Sun/Mon/Tues/Wed she would work Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat, I was sad when they said no. Now I know there is no way I could work 10 hours a day for 4 days straight! I’m ok with my current shift thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 2:01 PM
Urspo
It is good to be content with one’s work; you fortunate that way.
January 25, 2022 at 2:06 PM
Will Jay
Easy to say, not so easy to do. Right now I’m covering for an analyst who is taking 3 weeks off to transition a family member back to the far east.He is doing the right thing and clearing his calendar so that he can focus on the task at hand. However that means I’m covering two desks for another week and a half.
I worked a 9/80 schedule a few years ago when I was commuting 100+ miles a day. It was great to have the extra weekend day every other weekend to take care of all the stuff that I couldn’t do after work (MD appointments etc) but it was exhausting.
January 25, 2022 at 2:12 PM
Urspo
covering others (due to sickness, pregnancy or whatever) is a noble thing. Many I know have to do so not from choice – and they are overburdened and somewhat resentful for doing so.
January 25, 2022 at 4:12 PM
Gigi Rambles
Yes, without a doubt I could work 4 days a week. We have “summer hours” now; where we figure out the math to make it work so that we can knock off around noon in the summer.
We’ve also just been told when/if we ever go back to the office that we will only be required to show up 2 days a week. That’s the one good thing that COVID brought about…it has shown some companies that yes, your employees will do the work even when they aren’t actually IN the office. Inn fact, every co-worker I have spoken to recently, has told me that they work MORE now than they did when we were in the office. I find this true for myself as well.
January 25, 2022 at 4:40 PM
Urspo
It is an ill wind that blows nobody good. I remember pre-covid the notion people could work at home was considered both not possible and not workable. now we know both aren’t true. It is curious to see how the work place/hours etc. evolve from this situation.
January 25, 2022 at 4:45 PM
Steven
I have only worked 5 days a week. And in my early days, the hours worked in those 5 days turned out to be closer to 6 days a week. I quickly learned with my second employer. And I also learned to not get my cell phone connected with the company email or I would be called upon 24/7. While I am an early riser, the thought of working 10-hour days now sounds daunting in my “older” years. I think people are working themselves to death, but it’s not always due to their work load.
January 25, 2022 at 7:09 PM
Urspo
I concur; there are many political/economical and cultural reasons for this – imagine! not too long ago it was a sign of prestige NOT to work. Now it is the other way around: prestigious people are working 24/7, or feel obliged to do so.
January 25, 2022 at 5:23 PM
Ron
Way back in 1998 when I was fired from my banking job by a new boss who was homophobic (I later found out that is why I was fired after running into someone else he had fired from his previous bank job), I opted for part-time work. I too an imbued with that Protestant work ethic that ONE MUST WORK BE BE VALUED. Eventually I had TWO part-time jobs. That worked fine for me ever sine then. Now that I’m a full-time caregiver (another job, perhaps the most rewarding I’ve ever had), I am still fulfilling my Protestant work ethic. If and when my caregiving duties end,I will probably go back to work. If for nothing else than to interact with others rather than stay home the whole time by myself and to earn extra money for vacation holidays to Palm Springs, Philadelphia and Canada. Working if good. Flexible working is even better!
January 25, 2022 at 7:10 PM
Urspo
indeed, one of the great causes of burnout isn’t love long hours to sense what you do is meaningless or not being appreciated. No good that.
January 25, 2022 at 6:17 PM
Anne
Dear Nephew,
Tomorrow when you arise, please put on your big boy pants and when you arrive at work, stop at the office managers desk and ask her EXACTLY when you can expect your raise and bonus.
Then report back. 😀
Auntie
January 25, 2022 at 7:11 PM
Urspo
ho ho ho yes ma’am.
today I scored a brownie point with her in which she conveyed she was most grateful; I almost replied so where’s my raise?
January 25, 2022 at 6:45 PM
Sassybear
I used to work 75 hours in 9 work days and have every other Friday off. While the regular 3-day weekends were convenient and nice, I find I am much happier now that I’m back to working the normal ten 8-hour days. I love getting out earlier and the same time every day.
January 25, 2022 at 7:12 PM
Urspo
it is nice to know you have a structured day of when work begins and one work ends. Blurred boundaries of work/home is not good for us.
January 25, 2022 at 11:12 PM
Linda Practical Parsimony
When I was younger, 4 day work week, ten hours would work just fine. As I became older, that would have been hard. Plus, I always had at least an hour drive.
January 26, 2022 at 12:26 PM
Urspo
I am back driving 2/week to/from Mesa, which (in bad traffic) can be up to an hour. At least I have time to hear lectures and such.
January 26, 2022 at 4:03 PM
larrymuffin
I think that the 4 day work week is a good idea and would be helpful to a lot of people. There is too much stress now in everyday life and much of it is created by people themselves who think that being a workaholic or try to multi task all the time will make them better people. It’s a lot of hogwash and employers do not care about employees wellbeing it gets in the way of making more money. I think that maybe now with working from home it may encourage people to rethink their lifestyle.