It too shall become extinct!
By: Vincent Scaramuzzo, President, Ed-Exec, Inc.
7:30AM Wednesday morning, 7/25/18. I am leisurely scrolling through some morning emails and texting with one of my buddies Dave while sipping my coffee. Dave can’t make dinner next week – he is also upset because he hasn’t seen his 2yrs old son in over a week. I ask “are you traveling for work again?”. He replies “no, been out of the house before he wakes, by the time I get back he is asleep. Have been in the office 7:30AM until after 6PM every day. I am putting in at least 10hrs days.”
My math might be off but that seems even longer to me. Is the 10-hour work day still a thing? Unless you own a restaurant, I find it absolutely absurd. Folks – wake up. There is no badge of honor for being the first in and last out every day. It just pleases some old school boss for the time being and makes everyone else around you who is not working like an idiot pissed off. Honestly how the heck can’t you get your work done in a 6-8hrs day? Are you that inefficient?
Now I am not naive. I understand especially at schools that students need you all hours of the day. But employers beware. Having your best people work those kind of hours puts all your eggs in one basket. If they go out sick—or worse yet—quit for some better hours, then what?
Employers—I highly recommend structuring your staff from positions of strength. Split up the day among multiple talented people. It keeps you covered and prevents employee burnout. It also increases employee satisfaction. It also makes calls from recruiters a lot less effective! :-)
Employees—Don’t be a Dinosaur. That company will likely dump you the second you want to have a life. Working ten hour days just sets a false and unrealistic expectation that cannot be maintained long term. Work hard. Be responsible. Get your job done. But do it in 8 hours or less. Eat dinner with your kids, read them stories, and tuck them in. You won’t regret it.
Vincent Scaramuzzo is the President of Ed-Exec, Inc. A leading Education Executive Search Firm. He is also a contributing author to various education publications. As a specialist in the education field for over a decade, running an education search firm, Scaramuzzo works nationally. He can be contacted at vincent@ed-exec.com 860-781-7641.