The Surprising Truth About Average Weekly Work Hours
Back in 2011, I was deep in the grind of finance, logging about 60 hours a week and burning out fast. It was tough hearing others complain about their workdays when I longed for a regular 9 to 5 schedule. I was tied to my desk from dawn till dusk, coordinating with colleagues across different time zones from New York to Asia.
What I’ve Learned About Average Work Hours in America
From the Census Bureau’s data, here’s what stood out:
1. A genuine 40-hour work week is indeed sufficient to get ahead—if you’re truly dedicating those hours to work.
2. Most might find it easier to excel than they think, given that the average American works around 34.2 hours a week.
3. Since the pandemic started, the average has bumped up slightly by an hour.
Over the decades, the trend in work hours has consistently decreased:
– In 1979, the average was 35.5 hours.
– By 1985, it dipped slightly to 34.7 hours.
– In 1990, it was 34.3 hours, and by 2000, it was 34 hours.
– The 2009 financial crisis saw a further decline to 33 hours.
– Fast forward to 2022, and it’s back up to 34.2 hours.
The Benefits of Reduced Working Hours
As technology advances and productivity increases, the need for long working hours decreases, allowing us to enjoy similar financial rewards for less time spent working. Additionally, the bullish market since 2009 has further reduced the pressure to work extended hours. Some of us, especially the older generation, are now earning more from investments than from regular employment.
Looking ahead, I predict that post-pandemic, work hours might drop to about 32-33 hours a week by 2030. Personally, I’ve found that working 20-25 hours a week is ideal for maintaining productivity without feeling overwhelmed. This schedule leaves ample time for exercise, socializing, and family, which significantly enhances the quality of life.
When It’s Okay to Take It Easy
Ultimately, we work more if we want to boost our earnings and career prospects. But if you’re content with where you are in your career and your financial status, it’s okay to not push as hard. The key is to balance ambition with contentment—working hard when needed, but also knowing when to prioritize other aspects of life.
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve moved from pushing myself and my readers to work relentlessly to a stance that promotes a balanced life. Now, I find myself advocating for a reasonable workload that allows for personal happiness and fulfillment. This shift comes after experiencing burnout from not just my finance career but also from intense periods of working online, writing a book, and being a stay-at-home dad.
Excited for Future Generations
Considering the current average workweek, I’m optimistic about our children’s prospects. They don’t need to put in excessive hours to excel; working slightly more than the average can significantly advance their careers over time. This can be a feasible way for them to outpace others and potentially build significant legacies.
A Clever Strategy for Success
Instead of solely working longer hours to get ahead, consider encouraging others to embrace leisure. This isn’t about promoting laziness, but rather creating a context where your extra effort is more noticeable and valued. While everyone else relaxes, your continued diligence will set you apart, widening the productivity gap in your favor.
Remember, if you want to stand out, the solution isn’t just to work hard but to work smart and leverage the current low baseline for working hours to your advantage. Why not take the opportunity to excel when the average expectations are manageable? Who’s with me in making the most out of the current work culture, which seems more relaxed than ever?
