In today’s ever-evolving job market, more and more professionals are seeking innovative and flexible ways to work that fit around the demands of their personal lives. One such arrangement is the concept of working three days a week – a structure that has been growing in popularity both in the UK and across the globe. By allowing for a greater degree of balance between career and home life, working three days a week could be a great way to utilise the latest working patterns to suit your lifestyle.
This blog post will explore the potential benefits of working three days a week, as well as outlining some of the challenges that may be faced during the process. It will look at the ways in which you can make the transition to a three day a week work pattern, and make the most out of the new arrangement. We will also explore how best to negotiate with your employer to make the most of the situation and ensure a successful outcome.
3 cons of a 3-day workweek
It’s important to think about potential difficulties with this schedule before searching for a job that allows for three days of work per week, such as:
1. Impacting your routine
You might need to modify your daily routine if you work three days a week. If you have a full-time job, you might have long shifts that require you to get up early and stay late. This may result in erratic mealtimes and interfere with any morning routines already in place. To make up for the little free time you have on workdays, you might start sleeping in on your days off or adjust your schedule in other ways.
You can organize your days off by making your meals and finishing other tasks in advance. This can help decrease the impact of an irregular schedule. Keeping a schedule and keeping track of your eating and sleeping patterns can also help you make sure you get regular rest and energy throughout the week.
2. Influencing your salary
Working three days a week can affect your total compensation depending on your position. When compared to a five-day workweek, the number of hours you put in on a three-day schedule may be different. Before altering your schedule, it’s crucial to discuss your compensation with your manager to make sure your expectations of your pay and benefits are reasonable.
3. Causing potential burnout
When working three days a week, you might experience burnout even on long breaks and days off. You may work longer than 13 hours for each shift if you intend to work a full-time schedule over three days. Physical and mental exhaustion may result from this, and burnout may eventually follow. Burnout can be lessened and a three-day schedule can become more manageable by being proactive with self-care and utilizing paid time off.
4 pros of working 3 days a week
People who want a flexible schedule with extended periods away from their place of employment may find working three days a week to be very appealing. The following are some of the main benefits of working a three-day workweek:
1. Reducing your commute
When you only work three days a week as opposed to the typical five days, you can significantly cut down on your commute time. You can cut down on the amount of time you spend getting to and from work by only making three trips. You’ll have more time for leisure activities, family time, and hobbies as a result. Reduce the costs of your commute, such as gas, parking, or bus fares, to make additional savings.
2. Providing extended breaks
Working three days a week may give you the chance to schedule lengthy breaks from your job, which can make it simpler to organize personal plans without asking for time off from work. Depending on your schedule, you might be able to take four consecutive days off or make plans for a longer vacation by spreading out your days off over several weeks.
For instance, you might work Thursday through Saturday one week and Monday through Wednesday the following. This can give you a full week off to finish up tasks, unwind, or go on vacation. In contrast to a typical two-day weekend, you might be able to schedule longer vacations if you sign up for a three-day schedule.
3. Improving your work-life balance
Your work-life balance may be improved if you work three days a week and take four days off. Having frequent days off can give you time to unwind and decompress from your workday, whether you work part-time with shorter shifts or sign up for extended shifts to maintain a full-time schedule. You can give yourself a mental break from thinking about work when you spend more than half the week away from it and devote more time to your personal priorities. Your career may feel more manageable as a result of the sense of balance this can bring about.
4. Increasing your productivity
A three-day workweek can frequently serve as a strong motivator for boosting productivity. Knowing you only work a few days a week may motivate you to schedule your days in advance and improve your time management abilities so you can complete your primary responsibilities. Because you are aware that you have plenty of free time after work, you might also find that you are more focused while working. Your three-day schedule can serve as inspiration to be productive throughout the entire day, despite the fact that you work long shifts on the days you work.
How to work 3 days a week
Following a three-day workweek, you should take the following actions into account:
1. Consider freelancing or self-employment
Many people who work three days a week are independent contractors, freelancers, or business owners. When you work on your own, you frequently have more freedom to choose your own working hours. Consider your freelance or contract skills and post them on freelance marketplaces as a place to start. You can look into opportunities through a variety of channels by checking out job sites that occasionally feature listings from employers looking for contractors. Set reasonable expectations and be transparent about your availability when speaking with clients.
2. Communicate with your manager
You might also think about discussing schedule changes with your current employer. Think about whether it’s possible for you to fulfill your obligations while working three days per week. Try to come up with several options before speaking with your employer, such as shortening your workdays or changing your responsibilities so you can have a three-day schedule. It might be beneficial to think ahead and consider how this change will benefit both you and the business. Additionally, you can propose a trial period during which you can show that you have the capacity to complete the same amount of work in fewer days.
3. Explore other fields
You might look for employment in a field where three-day workweeks are more typical depending on your career goals. For instance, a number of careers in the healthcare industry, like nursing, require long shifts only a few days a week. Working in a skilled trade may also give you the chance to spend a lot of time on call before taking a few days off. To find opportunities that match your lifestyle objectives and see if you’re interested in switching industries, look into careers with unusual schedules.
4. Project your budget
Before adjusting your schedule, its useful to understand your budget. Planning your finances can help you succeed because reducing the number of days you work can affect your income. Calculating your typical expenses will help you decide whether this way of life is feasible. Try limiting luxury purchases when you first switch to a three-day workweek to save money and increase your earning potential during that time frame.
Working 3 days a week changed my life
FAQ
Is it good to work 3 days a week?
Your work-life balance may be improved if you work three days a week and take four days off. Having frequent days off can give you time to unwind and decompress from your workday, whether you work part-time with shorter shifts or sign up for extended shifts to maintain a full-time schedule.
Why working 4 days a week is better?
a plan to cut back on electricity use: The UK experienced an energy crisis between 1973 and 1974. The government temporarily prohibited longer hours of work on those days and limited the use of electricity by businesses to three specified consecutive days each week. ”.
Is working 4 days a week worth it?
A four-day workweek is intended to accomplish the same tasks in less time, allowing people to spend more time managing their lives, pursuing other interests, and spending time with their loved ones. Businesses may gain from higher sales, lessened employee burnout, and lower turnover, among other advantages.
