House Rules: Working Hours

November 2, 2013

House Rules: Working Hours

Today, I am back with the subject of work plans that I have already commented a few weeks ago. [1]
If we all agree with the need and usefulness of having a daily schedule, it also may be useful to consider a few questions related to how to distribute our daily working hours.
The model that I have always used is based on the idea of establishing fixed hours to develop the day’s activities; particularly, those with a professional character.
As freelance translator, I work with a daily 2,000-word translation goal. To reach that goal, I keep a strict work discipline based on a fixed schedule.
I do not believe it is necessary to adjust to a pre-established model, like Benjamin Franklin’s, which was my personal source of inspiration many years ago. I think that every plan—daily work schedule—should be adjusted to each one’s personal circumstances from the time to start, the intermediate hours and the time to finish. I do not think it is necessary to get up at 5:00 AM and go to bed at 1:00 AM as Franklin used to do. However, I do believe it is convenient to take into account our most productive hours and dedicate them to our work.
Getting up very early might be positive for some and yet negative for others. Working from morning to early evening or from early evening to late at night might improve or hamper the work of others. The secret is to develop—and keep—that daily schedule that better suits our personal characteristics.

[1] Cf. “House Rules: Daily Schedule,” September 14 2013.

[Image: Domenico Ghirlandaio: St Jerome in his Study, fresco, 184 × 119 cm (1480).

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