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One of the more interesting posts I read today was from David Spinks and the debate of why 9-5 should be eliminated. It took on the idea that the 9-5 should be set aside for the sake of personal lives/lifestyles, work preferences, and getting-things-done how the employee feels comfortable.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m currently not a 9-5er and love workshifting on days I feel the need. Doing work in the digital space gives me the freedom and flexibility to do so. It’s how I stay connected with my community, how I continue to learn and grow, and how I’m able to get closer to that next opportunity. Most would probably think that I’m an advocate of this lifestyle – but I’m not all for it, as I question this logic with this piece of my comment:
We work at all times of the day because we’re able to. But does that mean we have to?
We’re wanting and given this flexibility so that we can adhere to different work and life styles, but when do we realize that it may be having an adverse effect on our personal lives than actually helping our schedule? This is a thought that I’ve gotten into deep discussions about recently with Teresa Basich. Talking shop on work methods and how we can better manage and create efficiency in our everyday and professional lives.
Don’t get me wrong – I love that I can work on projects throughout the day, while creating blog posts and connecting with folks on Twitter and other networks – but the deeper I get into this space that I love, the more I realize that the line is becoming blurred to the point that people can’t pull themselves away and disconnect online, and reconnect offline.
I’m conflicted and wonder where we draw the line and get back the time that the non 9-5 life has taken away? Are we spending these newly found working hours inefficiently, or is it the desired course of the digital space, giving us the responsibility to utilize it efficiently?
I’d love to hear your side of it.
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Comments
10.14.09
I think there's something to be said for separating work and life through the 9-5 barrier. I myself have a 9-5 and I hate it. Mostly because I am productive at very certain times of the day, and would do things a lot quicker and better if I didn't have to stretch these things out over the course of an 8 hour day.
I guess it's all about the way you use the time at work. I know I use a lot of time trying to do alternative networking and creative things (present post included!) while at work so as to have the best of both worlds.
Great post!
10.14.09
Beth - you're absolutely right that it's a matter of how we use the time we do have at work. For workshifters and those who work within the confinement of our home, it's a bit trickier and requires even more structure to be efficient.
Appreciate the thoughts!
10.14.09
I much prefer a 9-5, Sonny. I know, odd. I have been freelancing for about a year now, and the only thing that I really like about it is that I don't have to go running late at night and eat cold dinners.
Other than that, I prefer to work and be done with it by 5, so that the time I spend outside of work is precious and dedicated to those people and activities that take up that space.
10.14.09
I think it's not only the time of day but time of week that affects how efficient I am. I know I am much more productive on Monday afternoon than Friday afternoon. We all know that Fridays in a corporate environment tend to be more laid-back and "catch-up" days. By 3pm everyone is itching to start the weekend.
For this reason I think it's much more efficient to flex you schedule so that you work longer and harder earlier in the week and free up extra time at the end of the work-week to do those things outside of work that you love to do.
10.14.09
@Mehnaz - you definitely have a great approach to your freelance lifestyle and keeping it confined within the 9-5. It's actually refreshing to hear someone in this digital age talk about how they make sure they've time for themselves and to dedicate it for the people and activities in your life. Big kudos, Mehnaz!
@Melanie - great points, Melanie. That's so very true and for an employer, it's definitely important to understand that culture and how people function internally. Not so much catering to them, but to keep business at an efficient level by keeping a proper balance of work/life.
Thanks for the comments everyone!
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