My experience working a 4 day week

“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” – Parkinson’s Law by Cyril Northcote Parkinson.

 

I wanted to share my experience so far with working a 4 day week and some tips on how to do it successfully without sacrificing productivity. As a freelancer, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent schedule and avoid slipping back into a 5 day work week, but it’s not impossible.

Firstly, setting boundaries with clients and blocking out calendars is key. Let them know in advance that you will be working a 4 day week and when your working hours are. This helps manage expectations and ensures that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, consider setting specific communication policies with clients. For example, you could let clients know that you will only be responding to emails or calls during certain hours on your work days. This can help you avoid interruptions and ensure that you’re able to focus on your work and personal life.

Secondly, prioritize your tasks and be strategic with your time. Use your non-work day for rest, relaxation, and personal growth. This will help you recharge and come back to work more productive and focused. When it comes to prioritizing your tasks, consider using the Eisenhower Matrix. This method involves dividing your tasks into four categories based on urgency and importance: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This can help you focus on the most important tasks and delegate or delay less important ones.

Thirdly, make sure you’re maximizing your productivity during your work days. Avoid distractions, automate tasks when possible, and use productivity tools like Pomodoro technique or time blocking to stay on task. In addition to these tips, consider implementing a morning routine. This can help you start your day with intention and set the tone for the rest of your work day. Your morning routine could include things like meditation, exercise, or journaling. I personally use a time-tracking tool called Toggl, which helps me stay focused and accountable.

Finally, stay committed to your 4 day work week schedule. It’s easy to slip back into old habits, but remind yourself of the benefits of a shorter work week, like increased happiness and better work-life balance. To stay committed, consider finding an accountability partner or joining a support group. This can help you stay motivated and on track, especially during times when you might be tempted to slip back into old habits.

In addition to the tips mentioned above, it’s also worth exploring the financial benefits of a 4 day work week. Studies have shown that a shorter work week can lead to reduced overhead costs for businesses, as well as reduced healthcare costs for employees. By highlighting the financial benefits of a 4 day work week, you may be able to encourage more companies to consider adopting this schedule.

Overall, working a 4 day week can be a game-changer for freelancers and anyone looking to improve their work-life balance. Give it a try and see how it can work for you! Let me know if you have any additional tips.