50-Hour Work Week: 10 Schedules To Peruse

What is a 50-hour work week?

The most common 50-hour work week is five work days (Monday-Friday) with 10 hours of work per day (8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.). A common variation is to work fewer hours during the day and add a block of time at night or on a weekend day.

The five day, 40-hour work week is the standard. I’ll let you in on a little secret, though. Henry Ford invented that schedule for his factory workers in 1926. Since then, we’ve invented the computer and internet and an entire layer of knowledge work that sits on top of the factory and farm work. But alas, we stick to the 40-hour work week — as if coding a software application has anything to do with fastening a door to a Model T.

If you are lucky enough to be in knowledge work (or have a desk job, in other words), you don’t necessarily need to be working 40 hours per week. You could work 20 hours as an entrepreneur or freelancer or slog through 60 hours to get that promotion or grow the business. Any departure from the 40-hour week (equating to 1,992 hours per year) just might be the right fit for you and/or your company.

Today, we’re here to help people working 50 hours per week. I asked our list of contributors to share their weekly work schedules if they work about 50 hours per week. I received 47 replies; we’re highlighting the most unique 50-hour work week schedules here.

50-Hour Work Week Schedule Examples

Divided by Three

58 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

 

Weekdays: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Sundays: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

 

Currently, I am the founder and CEO of two successful startups, and it wasn’t always easy. I divide my schedule by three to account for a “work-work-life balance.” Of course, there are days when I am tired and just want to veg out on the couch, but for the most part, I am so focused on my goals that the time just flies by.

 

– Jonathan Saeidian of Brenton Way

Flex Schedule

56 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

 

Eight hours every day between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

 

I typically work around 56 hours per week, but I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule, which works well for me. I can usually take a break in the middle of the day to run errands or go for a walk. I can also work from home when necessary. I find that having a flexible schedule helps me to stay productive and motivated. Additionally, it allows me to spend more time with my family and friends, which is important to me.

 

– Loran Marmes of Medicare Solutions Team

Intentional Scheduling

55 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

 

I am very intentional about my schedule and task management. Although I work 55 hours weekly, I also schedule a lot of time for my family and hobbies. I wake up early, around 4:00 a.m., and complete my most important work activities first thing. I’m in the gym by 5:00 a.m. and then spend time with my wife and kids before the kids go to school. I am usually to my office by 8:00 a.m.; depending on the day, I am home by 6:00 p.m., sometimes earlier. I always make time to attend my kids’ events and sports and sneak in frequent lunch dates with my wife. Weekends I reserve for my family.

 

I made the decision to take control of my calendar in order to be very intentional about where I spend my time. It has impacted my life greatly. When I work, I work. When I am with family, I am with family. Being very structured and intentional with my time allows me to be present and set clear boundaries between family, fun, work, and the rest of life.

 

– Matt Shoup of MattShoup.com

Nine by Six

54 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

 

My work week usually entails working six days a week for nine hours a day. This is because my small business is still fairly new and requires a lot of time and effort. I usually dedicate two days a week to finding clients, working on PR strategies to gain recognition for my company, and produce  tips and advice for small businesses to understand how beneficial our services can be for them. The next three days are dedicated to working on projects simultaneously to ensure each gets the attention it needs. Fridays are usually dedicated to meetings, and Saturdays are for researching and writing new books.

 

As a small business owner in my twenties, now is the time to dedicate energy and effort to growing my business. I also work more days to accomplish my other goals. However, Sundays are necessary to take off to help me schedule time out, take a break, and focus on enjoying life outside of work.

 

– Zachary Weiner of Finance Hire

Always Creative

52 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

 

I work 10 hours a day, Monday through Friday. On Saturday, I take reports from my team about projects.

 

I’m an interior designer, so I need to be available during normal business hours to meet with clients. I decided to work a 50-hour week to have more time for personal pursuits outside of work. This schedule allows me to work fewer hours during the week, which gives me more time to relax and enjoy my free time. It also allows me to work more efficiently during the hours that I am working since I have fewer distractions.

 

– Steven Hill of DIY Gazette

Purposeful Flexibility

50 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

 

I’ve found that balancing a 50-hour work week with family responsibilities and personal well-being requires a flexible approach. Here’s what my typical week looks like:
 

• Morning Routine: I start my day by working from about 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday before taking my son, who attends high school online, to his job at the doggy daycare (our dog joins him there, too!). Then, I try to make a yoga and qigong class at least three times a week right after dropping them off.
• Mid-Morning to Early Afternoon: I resume work from about 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. After my morning self-care, I often feel balanced, refocused, and at peace.
• Afternoon and Evening: In the late afternoon, I pick up my son (and the dog), and then it’s time to prepare or pick up dinner. I get in another two hours of work between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
• Weekend Hours: To reach my 50-hour target, I fit in the remainder of my work hours over the weekend, working around any planned family activities.

 

This schedule allows me to maintain productivity while also being present for my family and taking care of my health. My work is all about helping people heal through shared trauma, finding community, and building resilience. It helps that my work is aligned with my purpose in life, so it doesn’t feel like work!

 

– Danielle Dahl of Resilient Stories

Full Force Weekdays

50 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

 

My typical workweek is Monday through Friday. I work at the office or from home from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and take a break during downtime. I leave my weekends vacant to make time for socializing and other personal errands.

 

Working as marketing director of our company is a big responsibility to carry. Working 50 hours might seem a lot, but in a managerial position you have to be available for employee concerns all throughout the day. I have already adapted to working 50 hours per week, which keeps my productivity and efficiency high and leaves my weekends free for rest and relaxation.

 

– Jacob Villa of Authority

Three-Day Weekend

48 hours per week over Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

 

Tuesday-Friday: 12 hours per day

 

I have always hated Mondays. Luckily, now I can schedule my work so I don’t have to work that day. I spend Saturday and Sunday with my family and friends; on Monday, I have some me-time with yoga, planning, and getting ready for a productive week.

 

– Dave Polykoff of Zenpost

Energy Maximization

48 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

 

I block time for 1-1.5 hours of exercise daily and schedule clients around that. I prefer client meetings and calls in the mornings with time to think/write/follow up in the afternoons. Weekends are for admin and catching up.

 

After a morning workout, showering, and eating breakfast, I am at my desk nonstop for most of the day. I think I am more productive and efficient than I was before the pandemic — a silver lining in the crisis! By being organized and setting my schedule in advance, I find I am actually sleeping more, eating healthier, and getting more done.

 

– Paige Arnof-Fenn of Mavens & Moguls

Eight by Six

48 hours per week over Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

 

I typically work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., six days per week. I wake up early, get breakfast, and have a quick workout or a short jog. I end my days at 4 p.m. to leave a little room for overtime, especially during busy days.

 

As marketing director of our business, I am constantly discussing our content marketing strategies. I am accustomed to working long hours and this ensures that no work is carried on to the next work week.

 

– Deepanshu Bedi of Holistapet

What are some common tips from people working 50 hours per week?

• Exercise
• Organize and block your time to task
• Match your work hours with your natural tendencies (morning person vs. night owl)
• Schedule downtime and time off
• Set and stick with non-work priorities (family, friends, hobbies)

Are there any negative effects of working 50 hour weeks?

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