Only few people (if any) can work 8 hours or more per day for 5 days a week and be productive, healthy and a social being over a extended period of time. But still this is the norm and expected. 12 years ago I realized that I can only be productive and healthy when working 32 hours per week. So I switched to “part time”. But science suggests I’m still wasting about 12 hours each week.

“Part time” means less salary. I’m punished for keeping me healthy and productive. I could easily “work” 40 hours per week by jeopardizing my productivity, my health and my social life. I choose not to do that.

With only 8 more hours free time I wrote several books, spoke at conferences and published some apps. I’m spending more time with my children and I’m trying to be a better partner to my wife.

What could I do with 12 more hours for myself and my family? What kind of a dad could I be with so much time? How would our society look like if more people would only work the hours they are productive? I guess we would be happier and probably way worse customers.

How about you? How many of your work hours per day are actually needed for your output? Let me know on Mastodon.