# Weekend Whenever

I attempted [Weekend Wednesday](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALaTm6VzTBw), but it quickly transformed into _Weekend Whenever_.

When folks catch wind of Weekend Whenever, they whisper of overwork and burnout. But this is not [The Grind](/essays/beware-the-grind) nor [Crunch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crunch_(video_games)). This is a plea for consistent and sustainable work.

## Workweeks are Man-Made

The typical workweek is 5d×8h (5 days × 8 hours = 40 hours). 

Many nurses and doctors work 3d×12h (36 hours), which I personally cannot fathom. Seriously, [send me an e-mail](mailto:hello@taylor.town) if you prefer this schedule -- I'd like to understand.

Weekend Whenever is 7d×6h (42 hours). You may also opt for the 7d×5h (35 hours) or 7d×4h (28 hours) variants.

## Hours are Valuable

60 minutes is 60 minutes, but some hours are worth much more than others.

Humans tire and become bored. And tired/bored humans are unproductive.

If you've ever sat in a cubicle, you can feel energy evaporate throughout the day. Few people truly hustle at 4:30PM.

For some jobs, 7dx5h (35 hours) is **more** productive than 5dx8h (40 hours). The first 4-hours of your day are not the same as the second 4-hours of your day.

## Weekends are Compromise

Workers want 4d×10h, but managers reject low-quality work.

Managers want 7d×6h, but workers reject extra commuting overhead.

5d×8h is a silent compromise between workers and managers: fewer commutes exchanged for longer but less-productive days.

## Remote Work can be Revised

So it's time to discuss the elephant in the [zoom](https://zoom.us): remote work. Why do remote workers continue 5d×8h? My guesses:
- meetings pull people towards Monday-Friday
- weekend plans and parties push people away from Saturday/Sunday workdays
- society stigmatizes hustle culture and "the grindset"
- people confuse busywork with actual work
- everybody hates incessant async notifications (especially from co-workers)

## Spurn the Split

The 5d×8h schedule forces you to oscillate between fundamentally incompatible modes: full throttle and full vacation. But we resist relaxation when work looms, and we shirk our careers when urgent personal tasks attack.

With [proper planning](/essays/how-to-work-from-home), the 7d×6h schedule offers freedom and flexibility. You don't have "work days" and "personal days" -- you just have days.

With Weekend Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays supply supercharged sessions without distractions. And weekday afternoons offer fewer queues at the grocery, bank, salon, etc.

## Adopt Weekend Whenever

Stop stigmatizing seven-day workweeks.

Use your flexible schedule without compromise. Deliver high-quality work with less effort.

> Human output is fickle as the wind.
> 
> To sail through the seas with ease, plan your days around the breeze.

---

## Suggestions

- You can schedule emails and Slack messages for Monday mornings. Don't interrupt others' weekends with your idiosyncratic hours.
- Take advantage of others' schedules. Do deep work on the weekends. Ask questions when others are online.
- People make plans on weekends. Force yourself to squeeze in your 5-6 hours in the morning _before_ afternoon fun. Never try to work _after_ hanging out with friends.
- Don't seek praise for weekend work. Sane scheduling doesn't make you a saint.
- If your subordinates sense your working hours, make it clear that they are not expected to follow your schedule. Do not allow your subordinates to overwork.
- Never complain about working weekends. Take responsibility for your decisions.
- Ask your spouse/roommates/children for permission before working "weird" hours. Your friends and family may be adversely affected by your new schedule.