[theatraine]

I never understand these studies. I'm bootstrapping a startup and my work output scales linearly with hours until about 60 hours per week. 60 hours per week is comfortable with 4x12 hour days and then 12 hours over two shorter days. To accomplish errands and the like I just do things before 2pm which is plenty of time.

For me personally more time working = more output. What am I missing?

I should note that I have no family, no commute, and my gym is in my home so I'm able to save some hours on those things. I could see how in those cases one would have less time for work.

[quietthrow]

You are part of the hyperactive onsite mainstream HN crowd.single or married but no other responsibilities (children, aging parents and other such commitments). When you live the other life you will see how work just fills up and an extra day feels like a miracle.

[genocidicbunny]

Exactly this. Once you have other responsibilities or hobbies outside of work, a 12-hour workday will leave you with absolutely no free time. Add in your typical bay area commute time, and you'd hardly have time to sleep.

[adele11]

When I was single, no kids, I couldn't do 60 hours a week. Just not possible for me to keep focusing, keep writing good code.

[kharak]

I wonder what you do. There are plenty of things I could do for 12 hours, coding isn't one of them. Honestly, I'd say that I average about 6 hours a day of coding ability. That's an up to 4 hours before, because I changed a great deal of unhealthy habits.

[theatraine]

It's roughly 9 hours of coding and 3 hours of brainstorming with my co-founder. I do notice that my focus wavers quite a bit. Meditation has helped with this to a certain extent.

Health is my first priority so I make sure I'm getting enough sleep and regular exercise. When I'm feeling particularly stressed I'll go to Banya. This helps prevent burnout.

I've also reduced the time it takes to do most everything. No commute, gym in home, no time for grocery shopping (Amazon Prime Now), no drinking, and I'm single.

[incompatible]

I'm wondering how many people would take advantage of the 4-day work week to fit in another job in one or more of the off-days. How many people are obsessed with obtaining higher income, far beyond what they need to survive?