On part-time work
Over the last half a year, I’ve screened hundreds of software engineering job openings. My main criteria were remote and part-time work (3 days). The latter condition, still, turned out to be a no-go for the majority of the companies in the tech industry.
This was shocking to me as the tech industry tends to think of itself as progressive and radical. However, in this aspect, even the Spanish government is more radical as it encourages companies to try 4-day work weeks.
After working part-time, and remotely for more than 2 years, I’m not able to go back to full-time (5 days). I find the main difference between the two setups is that when I feel tired, or don’t feel like working with the computer because it’s amazing weather outside, I simply take a break. I take my time to rest, recreate, and do something engaging. And when I’m ready to work again, then I give my full attention and capacity to it. Many times I’m as productive in my part-time work week as when I did full-time previously. Yet my employer pays for 3 days.
Some further thoughts on working part-time:
- I can be creative with the work schedule (e.g. work 5 hours for 5 days a week).
- I’m able to spend significant time with my toddler.
- I love to cook. I have the time to cook lunch for my family and enjoy it all together.
- Sitting 24 hours a week is more than enough for my body.
- I clock my time so I know when I reached my commitment. Otherwise after-hours go unnoticed.
- I don’t work when I’m tired. Therefore I always feel productive at work.
- The notion of full-time still uses the mindset of measuring work in time instead of the outcome. More time spent on work doesn’t correspond to more outcomes.
- Shall I just take a full-time job and never tell them that I will only work 3-day a week?