4 ms·

That's a lot of anecdotal evidence framed as facts. I for one have been working 80% for two years (Germany) and have never felt more productive and motivated.

by x3ro 7y ago

That's a lot of anecdotal evidence framed as facts. I for one have been working 80% for two years (Germany) and have never felt more productive and motivated. And not only that, but I've also been able to use my Fridays off to acquire skills I would otherwise not have had the time or motivation to learn. None of my colleagues ever complained about me seeming lazy or slow, quite the opposite, really.

dragonwriter 7y ago
> That's a lot of anecdotal evidence framed as facts. Anecdotal evidence is, by definition, facts that are gathered in an unstructured manner which limits their probative value when it comes to supporting broader generalizations. So, it's quite appropriate to frame anecdotal evidence as facts, though one is on weaker ground drawing generalized, conclusions from such evidence, which was the actual problem with the grandparent post.
Traster 7y ago
I think one of the reasons that your experience is so different is that Americans tend to have a very different work culture than other countries. It partly stems from the fact they get almost no holiday and are often encouraged not to take the holiday they're allowed anyway. Whereas in Europe the idea that you wouldn't take holiday you're entitled to is just crazy.
- CaptainZapp 7y ago
  Whereas in Europe the idea that you wouldn't take holiday you're entitled to is just crazy. And depending on the country it's outright illegal. In Switzerland, for example, which has one of the more liberal (as in employer friendly) employment laws in Europe an employer can not compensate vacation days with money, except in very exceptional circumstances (i.e end of employment and employee has remaining vacation days).
- wutbrodo 7y ago
  To add some anecdotal evidence for America: I've always stuck to a hard 10-6 and I have a great career. Any company that doesn't let you trade talent against time is a company that doesn't respect you as a worker or even an adult. Granted, I work in the single American industry that likely respects its workers the most, but I have friends in other industries who believed that working sane hours was impossible until they... Tried it. Obviously working more means you get more done (assuming you don't burn yourself out), so the cost of working less to your career is nonzero, but this is practically tautological, and the stronger claim made here that it affects your reputation beyond its actual impact on productivity is not as universal in the US as people like to complain.
- fit2rule 7y ago
  I've lived and worked in both America and Europe, and while I find the living conditions in Europe generally better - healthcare and social safety nets are awesome - the environment for working in America was just more vibrant and lively. I much prefer working in America, or at least with Americans - but in terms of lifestyle, Europeans have it much, much better.
- x3ro 7y ago
  Thanks for the input. I also think that there's a significant cultural difference in that regard. I just wanted to share my very good experience, because I didn't like the GPs conclusion that part time cannot work.

by x3ro 7y ago

dragonwriter 7y ago

> That's a lot of anecdotal evidence framed as facts. Anecdotal evidence is, by definition, facts that are gathered in an unstructured manner which limits their probative value when it comes to supporting broader generalizations. So, it's quite appropriate to frame anecdotal evidence as facts, though one is on weaker ground drawing generalized, conclusions from such evidence, which was the actual problem with the grandparent post.

Traster 7y ago

I think one of the reasons that your experience is so different is that Americans tend to have a very different work culture than other countries. It partly stems from the fact they get almost no holiday and are often encouraged not to take the holiday they're allowed anyway. Whereas in Europe the idea that you wouldn't take holiday you're entitled to is just crazy.

CaptainZapp 7y ago
Whereas in Europe the idea that you wouldn't take holiday you're entitled to is just crazy. And depending on the country it's outright illegal. In Switzerland, for example, which has one of the more liberal (as in employer friendly) employment laws in Europe an employer can not compensate vacation days with money, except in very exceptional circumstances (i.e end of employment and employee has remaining vacation days).
wutbrodo 7y ago
To add some anecdotal evidence for America: I've always stuck to a hard 10-6 and I have a great career. Any company that doesn't let you trade talent against time is a company that doesn't respect you as a worker or even an adult. Granted, I work in the single American industry that likely respects its workers the most, but I have friends in other industries who believed that working sane hours was impossible until they... Tried it. Obviously working more means you get more done (assuming you don't burn yourself out), so the cost of working less to your career is nonzero, but this is practically tautological, and the stronger claim made here that it affects your reputation beyond its actual impact on productivity is not as universal in the US as people like to complain.
fit2rule 7y ago
I've lived and worked in both America and Europe, and while I find the living conditions in Europe generally better - healthcare and social safety nets are awesome - the environment for working in America was just more vibrant and lively. I much prefer working in America, or at least with Americans - but in terms of lifestyle, Europeans have it much, much better.
x3ro 7y ago
Thanks for the input. I also think that there's a significant cultural difference in that regard. I just wanted to share my very good experience, because I didn't like the GPs conclusion that part time cannot work.