5 ms·

I've been working 4 days since 2006, when our first child was born. I don't see myself going back to working 5 days a week, even when the youngest one is older.

I've been working 4 days since 2006, when our first child was born. I don't see myself going back to working 5 days a week, even when the youngest one is older. I get to spend more time with our children, and when they're in school (I'm off on Wednesday) I have the entire day to myself. It's totally worth the pay cut! Fun fact: 50% of employed people here in The Netherlands are working parttime in some form.

herbst 6y ago
Same here. IMO only one day already heavily improves life quality. Its not 50% in switzerland, but common enough that most jobs would accept.
Rule35 6y ago
In fact, 4 10s aren't much harder than 4 8s - for me travel time was dominant as I had to physically go run a lab. So I actually kept my salary while getting permanent three-day weekends. And I justified it by being able to get setup and cleaned up outside of normal work hours which was true and glorious.
- Sander_Marechal 6y ago
  I do 4x9. I like it, but with travel times the days can be quite long. When I have kids I want to go back to 4x8 so I can be home earlier.
  - dirktheman 6y ago
    I did 4x9 also for a while, also with a long (1h15) commute. Was OK for a year, but I was glad that my next job was 4x8 again, with 1 day WFH. So 3 days in the office, 1 day from home. Perfect!
- buran77 6y ago
  This is true but in many companies they won't give you the 4 10s option. The reason is that the company can cut 20% pay but realistically set the same targets (where possible). So the expectations don't realistically drop by 20%, just the time you have to reach them and the pay. Depending on how much you were payed to begin with you may find this a reasonable compromise.
Cthulhu_ 6y ago
I did 36 hours for a good while (taking a friday off every two weeks); that was nice, but it wasn't as necessary anymore during lockdown, because I gained an hour a day for not commuting. But another reason is that because of the corona, our company didn't do as good as expected and they didn't give anyone any raises, so working a few hours extra is a nice increase in wage as well. Mind you, otoh I could make a lot more if I were to work elsewhere.

herbst 6y ago

Same here. IMO only one day already heavily improves life quality. Its not 50% in switzerland, but common enough that most jobs would accept.

Rule35 6y ago

In fact, 4 10s aren't much harder than 4 8s - for me travel time was dominant as I had to physically go run a lab. So I actually kept my salary while getting permanent three-day weekends. And I justified it by being able to get setup and cleaned up outside of normal work hours which was true and glorious.

Sander_Marechal 6y ago
I do 4x9. I like it, but with travel times the days can be quite long. When I have kids I want to go back to 4x8 so I can be home earlier.
- dirktheman 6y ago
  I did 4x9 also for a while, also with a long (1h15) commute. Was OK for a year, but I was glad that my next job was 4x8 again, with 1 day WFH. So 3 days in the office, 1 day from home. Perfect!
buran77 6y ago
This is true but in many companies they won't give you the 4 10s option. The reason is that the company can cut 20% pay but realistically set the same targets (where possible). So the expectations don't realistically drop by 20%, just the time you have to reach them and the pay. Depending on how much you were payed to begin with you may find this a reasonable compromise.

Cthulhu_ 6y ago

I did 36 hours for a good while (taking a friday off every two weeks); that was nice, but it wasn't as necessary anymore during lockdown, because I gained an hour a day for not commuting. But another reason is that because of the corona, our company didn't do as good as expected and they didn't give anyone any raises, so working a few hours extra is a nice increase in wage as well. Mind you, otoh I could make a lot more if I were to work elsewhere.