[hgh]

Is that true?

Take a look at e.g. https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=ANHRS#. In most places, people are working less hours, and they have significantly higher standards of living in many ways.

Especially in software development, there are enormous opportunities to work however you like for as many hours as you like. Sure, if you want a mid six-figure salary and try to keep up with the Jones' in SF you'll need to sacrifice some leisure and relationships, but that's not universally true. If your preference is to enjoy meaningful relationships and leisure time outside of work, and you have STEM skills, this is a great time to be alive.

[StavrosK]

I chose to work four days a week, and it's been an overwhelmingly good decision. Combined with living somewhere with an extremely low cost of living (I live in a nice flat and have a nice car for $1k/mo) and not liking owning too many material possessions, it's been a fantastic decision.

The alternative would be to spend another day a week working for money I literally have no need for and cannot use. I don't want to trade time during my thirties for time during my sixties, either, since time in my thirties is much more useful, as I am better able to do things with it.

[bbradley406]

I work at a small manufacturing facility, while living in a relatively low COL area. The pay is not exceptional, but enough to clear all expenses, have some fun and save 15%. I am given the choice almost every week (crunch periods and other workers plans sometimes take priority) of working either 4 ~10 hour shifts or 5 ~8's. I find it extremely useful and pleasant, and would gladly keep my current job (6:30-2:30|4:30) over one that paid $4-5 more per hour that had a fixed 9-5 M-F schedule.

Having an optional 3 day weekend allows a lot of possibility for longer recreational trips, large projects, dedicating one day to errands and totally freeing the other two, etc. On the other side of the equation, having a wide open afternoon + evening every weekday is great too.

It may seem like I'm just preaching to the choir on this one, but I'm also trying to simply raise awareness of what an excellent benefit it is. Realistically, could businesses in other fields adopt this? It's a great way to keep employees happy (saving turnover expenses) and doesn't alter their paycheck.

[edit] Since you are working less in exchange for the 20% cut, I realize not every business can do this since paying more people for fewer hours has diminishing returns. Giving the option of 4 10's or 5 8's, though, is still the same hours + work done. Why do we not see this offered more?

[Ericson2314]

Was the employer initially interested in hiring 5 days a week for 4?

[StavrosK]

Hmm, if I'm parsing your sentence correctly, yes, I used to work 5 days a week, I requested it be changed to 4 (with a 20% reduction in pay), and they agreed. I can also go back to 5 days if I want, since they've indicated they would prefer that, but I strongly feel that a 5-day work week isn't a good fit for me right now.

[Ericson2314]

Sorry s/for/or in my original post.

I've been thinking about whether is reduction in the workweek is politically or culturally possible, even if it is economically motivated. I sort of came to the conclusion that people turning 5 days jobs into 4 would be necessary on the cultural front. Glad to hear of someone that actually did it!