Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
Divorce, Maintenance, Personal Injury, Medical Negligence
I have read a number of surveys of CEO’s, largely of American corporations, where typically speaking the least hours any of them work a week were 60. Many of them work 80 to 90 hours a week which if you divide it by 7 days a week is 11 hours a day Monday to Sunday. I don’t really find that strange, although obviously it does not work for one if you have small children.
I break up my week according to my travelling patterns in trying to avoid heavy traffic, but I have never been afraid to put in long hours. An advocate friend of mine, whose intellect I admire tremendously, told me when I called him on Friday evening at approximately 9 pm to discuss a matter, that I need to “get a life” because I was calling him to discuss a case so late but I have never been troubled by people calling me to discuss business at any time, and so it was not a surprise for example when my accountant phoned me at 4 pm on Sunday afternoon to discuss some of the normal issues.
I don’t think when you are running a big business that you can say that work ends at 5 pm or that work ends at 5 pm on a Friday and switch your phone off – business simply does not work that way any more and with e-mail and instant communication people typically expect you to get back to them within 24 hours. At the end of the day we all make a choice as to what we want and what hours we are prepared to work, and I think if one wants to run a business well and successfully, one cannot be scared of hard work and hard work is not generally in my opinion limited to 35 or 40 hours a week. Of course, that is if you are running your own business – if you are working for somebody else you cannot be expected to work 7 days a week and we can all be working hard on different things – it might be studying after a working day is over or indeed the incredible work associated with bringing up children!
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Tuesday 27-Nov-12
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Comments
Sarah said:
on Monday 03-Dec-12 07:42 AM
I agree with the ladies you have to have a balance between work and family time. Sometimes work doesn't stop at 5 pm .
Lourien said:
on Friday 30-Nov-12 09:40 AM
Everyone has to work hard, when you own your own Business and sometimes working for someone. Your work becomes your daily life and you need to be able to know what is happening in the Business and your work. Even at home your life will evolve around your business or work and hours put in as it is a very big priority to be able to look after your family. We should just always try and keep a balance with all the daily work, activities, studying and your family that sometimes are neglected as they have to fit in when there is time. We need to work hard and there is now “Set Time” as they say the best time is now….
Julie said:
on Thursday 29-Nov-12 11:31 AM
Anyone who takes their job seriously will be available after hours should a work-related matter need attention. I have received quite a few calls and e-mails sent after hours to which I attended. Also missed a few :-) It is true though that time lost with loved ones is time lost - forever. Years ago I literally worked 24/7 and I am sure that was the biggest contributory factor causing the break-up with my ex-husband. I also did not apply the necessary "need" my kids longed for. I feel quilty for that lost time and I am sure we would even have been closer if I didn't work that hard. I have two great kids and they turned out to be a real blessing. It could have taken a turn for the wrong though. Not one person on planet earth has more than 24 hours - use the available hours wisely. Give what you can at work but never neglect the people closest to you. In the end they are the ones YOU will be needing. If you die, you are replaced. You can never replace your family.
Tanith said:
on Wednesday 28-Nov-12 03:29 PM
Many working mothers would agree that often you just leave one job to come home to another. but its better to concentrate on only one at a time though. :)
Lucretia said:
on Wednesday 28-Nov-12 03:27 PM
When one owns one's own business, you work harder than anyone else. There is no such thing as set working hours when the business is yours - those days are over. Personally I would love to work flexi hours. I find I get far more done from 5pm to 7pm if I work late because there is no such thing as interruptions and ringing phones. Love that time of the day.
Simone said:
on Wednesday 28-Nov-12 03:23 PM
Sometimes that extra work time is definitely needed and I find this true especially around this time of the year. Working in extra time is great, but I will never leave my loved ones for work when it isn't my own company.
Sinead said:
on Tuesday 27-Nov-12 04:28 PM
I agree with both Brumilde and Liesl. Good points you both made. I wouldn't stop working if I know my duties are incomplete, but family time is important as well =)
Liesl said:
on Tuesday 27-Nov-12 08:58 AM
I don't mind putting in the hours when needed and have in the past worked "around the clock" but I have also learned that family is important and time lost with them is time you will never be able to make up. I do not want to sit in an old age home one day with no one visiting me because I didn't have time for my family while I was working.
Brumilde said:
on Tuesday 27-Nov-12 08:30 AM
Work can be measured in different ways. i don;t belwive in the hours logic. You can do your work in 5 hours and other person can do the same in 8. But i agree that work does not stop at 5PM
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
