> We have a 40-hour workweek because most people prefer work twice as much and be paid twice as much as a 20-hour workweek. Sure, there are people who would pre

> We have a 40-hour workweek because most people prefer work twice as much and be paid twice as much as a 20-hour workweek. Sure, there are people who would prefer 20 hours and half (or less) salary, but they're in the vast minority, so that's not what companies build their workforces around. This is probably mostly true, but I think there are more factors at highly competitive places (which a lot of us hackers are at). I take a look at any of the top firms in law, finance, medicine, etc - where even entry-level staff pull 60+ hours a week. From talking with various friends in these fields, no one actually wants to work such hours.. a lot would even take pay reductions if they could work less. The problem is that the person who gets the most done is rewarded with great reviews which leads to career advancement which leads to, in addition to more money, more self-actualization... even if you could work half the hours for half the salary, you'd miss out on the exponential advancement opportunities. If everyone agreed to limit their hours, things would be better for everyone. But that isn't going to happen; the incentives to "cheat" would be far too great.