It's sad how many companies miss the mark on this. Saw a company that had "great work life balance" but expected you to work 9.5 hour days as the norm.
I think work life balance has become worse everywhere, but it seems like in the US in particular it has become much much worse since the 1950s (i.e. no more 9-5, 5 days a week).
I actually do work a 9-5 job in tech' in government, but I am more the exception than the rule. Many people seem to be working an hour more, and up to three to four hours more (e.g. 8 to 7, or 7 to 7) in other local places (and certainly in SV).
If my start up ever gets off the ground and I bring people in, I am going to strongly encourage a 9-5 by 5 day working environment with vacations, because I feel like if you ask for more you're exchanging short term productivity for long term productivity (i.e. people burn out, both with a longer work day, but also with no actual seven plus day holidays).
Some people will claim that "startups simply cannot afford that!" but to me that is just the cost of doing business. Stress doesn't make for an efficient employee, and higher turn-over certainly doesn't improve efficiency (for anyone). But I feel like my attitude is very "European" and most Americans see hours worked as a mark of honour and a competitive bargaining chip.
Well, I do one hour commute in the morning, eight hours of work plus one to eat, then another hour commute back home, sometimes one and a half if there's traffic. That's eleven hours daily for a job I really like. I would be glad to work those 9.5 if I could get to the office walking. 1.5 extra hours doesn't necessarily mean horrible work life balance, as long as it doesn't turn into 12 every other day.
I actually do work a 9-5 job in tech' in government, but I am more the exception than the rule. Many people seem to be working an hour more, and up to three to four hours more (e.g. 8 to 7, or 7 to 7) in other local places (and certainly in SV).
If my start up ever gets off the ground and I bring people in, I am going to strongly encourage a 9-5 by 5 day working environment with vacations, because I feel like if you ask for more you're exchanging short term productivity for long term productivity (i.e. people burn out, both with a longer work day, but also with no actual seven plus day holidays).
Some people will claim that "startups simply cannot afford that!" but to me that is just the cost of doing business. Stress doesn't make for an efficient employee, and higher turn-over certainly doesn't improve efficiency (for anyone). But I feel like my attitude is very "European" and most Americans see hours worked as a mark of honour and a competitive bargaining chip.