Four Day Work Week - Is it Within Reach?
There have been several stories recently detailing the move by the State of Utah to adopt a four day work week for its government employees. The state made this move to a new schedule in August of 2008. It has been received very well by state of Utah employees and the public has adapted to the reduction in the number of days state services are available. One reason it hasn't been a traumatic move for the Utah government employees is that they are still working full weeks (working 10 hours a day) and receiving the same pay and benefits they were receiving previously.
This move by the State of Utah has several municipalities and companies looking at four day work weeks. Unfortunately, most of them are looking at 4 days of a normal schedule, thereby reducing the pay and benefits for many employees by 20%. Their contention is that they will be able to retain key employees during this challenging economic time and then be well positioned when the economy turns upward.
It appears there is a lot of support for this new work week among several environmental groups that look at it from a perspective of energy conservation. If more companies and municipalities move to a four day work week, utilities will decrease and oil consumption will drop. Of course, municipalities and companies are looking at the cost savings they would receive if they moved to this new work schedule.
There are some private sector jobs like nursing that provide the flexibility to work fewer days a week and more hours. Some nursing jobs allow you to work 3-4 days per week and 10-12 hours a day. Shift work can be rewarding both financially and personally. You make some nice money and enjoy a longer weekend.
My preference is to work in a business that allows you to have more freedom with your schedule and work hard when you are the most productive. Many of us aren't at our best from eight to five. I know I do some of my best work in the evening and even early into the morning hours. There are many artists and entrepreneurs that adopt an unconventional schedule. The multi-billionaire Carl Icahn is well known for working into the early morning hours and sleeping in.
Many sales opportunities provide a great amount of flexibility with your schedule. Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you positive and make people feel better when they are around you? If so, you need to explore a sales career or even possibly starting your own business. When you are essentially your own boss you can work the hours when it works for you. After all, aren't there some things in life that need to be savored? How about your child's ball game? How about leaving town on Friday for a romantic getaway with your spouse, or being able to leave at moment's notice to go on a trip with your friends?
This move by the State of Utah has several municipalities and companies looking at four day work weeks. Unfortunately, most of them are looking at 4 days of a normal schedule, thereby reducing the pay and benefits for many employees by 20%. Their contention is that they will be able to retain key employees during this challenging economic time and then be well positioned when the economy turns upward.
It appears there is a lot of support for this new work week among several environmental groups that look at it from a perspective of energy conservation. If more companies and municipalities move to a four day work week, utilities will decrease and oil consumption will drop. Of course, municipalities and companies are looking at the cost savings they would receive if they moved to this new work schedule.
There are some private sector jobs like nursing that provide the flexibility to work fewer days a week and more hours. Some nursing jobs allow you to work 3-4 days per week and 10-12 hours a day. Shift work can be rewarding both financially and personally. You make some nice money and enjoy a longer weekend.
My preference is to work in a business that allows you to have more freedom with your schedule and work hard when you are the most productive. Many of us aren't at our best from eight to five. I know I do some of my best work in the evening and even early into the morning hours. There are many artists and entrepreneurs that adopt an unconventional schedule. The multi-billionaire Carl Icahn is well known for working into the early morning hours and sleeping in.
Many sales opportunities provide a great amount of flexibility with your schedule. Do you enjoy meeting new people? Are you positive and make people feel better when they are around you? If so, you need to explore a sales career or even possibly starting your own business. When you are essentially your own boss you can work the hours when it works for you. After all, aren't there some things in life that need to be savored? How about your child's ball game? How about leaving town on Friday for a romantic getaway with your spouse, or being able to leave at moment's notice to go on a trip with your friends?
Source...