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It's amazing how this work culture is more or less limited to North America. I was in Munich a week ago and it's mind-blowing how relaxed the culture is for a

It's amazing how this work culture is more or less limited to North America. I was in Munich a week ago and it's mind-blowing how relaxed the culture is for a strong economy. Leisure time, which for Germany is drinking time, is highly valued and not interrupted by work. What I find amazing is that I would love more leisure time, yet I feel guilty when I'm not working. It's not even a case of having a boss looking over my shoulder, because I have my own business. Anyone else struggle with this and has found a way to deal with it?

simonhamp 15y ago
This is definitely more so the case when you run your own business. I do too and I have the same feelings, so I end up working all evenings and sometimes all weekend too. But then I get other guilts, like not spending enough time with my wife, visiting my parents, or getting enough sleep. My brain doesn't have chance to switch off and my output is probably considerably lower than if I just stopped and took a proper break from all the tech and work This is the main reason why I'm mandating a 4-day work week for my employees. But this is balanced... I don't then want them to feel the pressure to fit that elusive 5th day into the remaining four. The biggest hindrance to this is that the rest of society generally works 5 days. And in the web world, people want you 24/7. But we're balking against it. Eventually, I'll get down to 4 days myself :) I can feel it
sliverstorm 15y ago
Yeah, I solve the guilt by working more.
morganpyne 15y ago
I lived in Germany a while ago. I was astonished when I first found out that you get 6 weeks paid holidays a year, and if you are sick during this time and manage to get a doctors cert to prove it you will get those holidays again. That time off is considered essential to your well being, and if you have been unable to benefit from it by being ill then you simply get to take them again when you can benefit from them. Also, the healthcare was excellent.

simonhamp 15y ago

This is definitely more so the case when you run your own business. I do too and I have the same feelings, so I end up working all evenings and sometimes all weekend too. But then I get other guilts, like not spending enough time with my wife, visiting my parents, or getting enough sleep. My brain doesn't have chance to switch off and my output is probably considerably lower than if I just stopped and took a proper break from all the tech and work This is the main reason why I'm mandating a 4-day work week for my employees. But this is balanced... I don't then want them to feel the pressure to fit that elusive 5th day into the remaining four. The biggest hindrance to this is that the rest of society generally works 5 days. And in the web world, people want you 24/7. But we're balking against it. Eventually, I'll get down to 4 days myself :) I can feel it

sliverstorm 15y ago

Yeah, I solve the guilt by working more.

morganpyne 15y ago

I lived in Germany a while ago. I was astonished when I first found out that you get 6 weeks paid holidays a year, and if you are sick during this time and manage to get a doctors cert to prove it you will get those holidays again. That time off is considered essential to your well being, and if you have been unable to benefit from it by being ill then you simply get to take them again when you can benefit from them. Also, the healthcare was excellent.