[Joe-Z]

Go for it! I'm working a 30-hour week right now. Like you, I feel even 40 hours/week of pure coding ist just not sustainable.

Out of the 3 software dev jobs I had up to this point all the people that 'worked' over-time were just wasting more time drinking coffee and chit-chatting with colleagues. Most of the time I just want to put in a productive day, solve 1 or 2 problems and then go home at a reasonable time, so I can actually enjoy my life, not just sit in a damn office all the time.

Also, having worked a 30-hour week for a few years now, I'd actually be willing to work a 40-hour week again, but only if my job then gives me responsibilies beyond just being a coder. Putting in 4-5 hours of really productive coding work a day and then spend the rest of the time on something else, like managerial work is something I can see myself actually doing. But expecting people to produce high-quality coding work for 8 hours a day is just wishful thinking.

[stefantheard]

How were you able to swing a 30-hour a week job? Was it negotiated or are you consulting / setting your own hours?

[Joe-Z]

It actually started as a side-job while studying. I actually increased to 30 hours/week over time from starting with 20 hours/week.

That said, I think most companies would be willing to find some agreement on reduced working hours if you've proven valuable too them. A friend of mine just recently switched to 32 hours/week over 4 days, after having started out at the company with a 40 hours job. It's really the best option for the company and yourself if one of the two parties isn't satisfied with the agreement anymore.

[jnordwick]

> I'd actually be willing to work a 40-hour week again, but only if my job then gives me responsibilies beyond just being a coder.

Why would they do that? You don't seem to have shown any initiative or demonstrated how well you would take on extra responsibility.

[Joe-Z]

I'm sorry, but do you know anything about my work as a coder besides that I work 30 hours a week?

I bet you, if you were to ask my boss if I've proven a valuable asset to the company he would sing you a song of praise for my work.

Working long hours isn't everything.

[richardknop]

How do you know how much responsibility he has? Plenty of senior people work less than 40h but have a lot of responsibility.

[ramblerman]

How do you know?