I once came across a post on LinkedIn (tried to find it again but was unsuccessful) that showed what someone’s 8-hour day looked like working remotely. Someone had told her that she “still needed to work her 8 hours a day). It looked something like this:
6:30 – 7:30am: Administrative work tasks (1 work hour)
7:30 – 9:30am: Get kids to school, run errands
9:30 – 11:30am: Work block (2 work hours)
11:30 – 12:30pm: Lunch and walk the dog
12:30 – 3:30pm: Work block (3 work hours)
3:30 – 8:00pm: Family time
8:00 – 10:00pm: Work block (2 work hours)
This schedule worked for her and her family to be the most successful. I understand that not everyone has this much flexibility or this schedule would not work in all situations. I like that remote work now gives people the opportunity to have the discussions about how work is part of their life, but not the center of it.
As a morning person in the tech world, the traditional 9-to-5 just doesn’t cut it for me. Thankfully, remote work has given me the freedom to leverage my natural productivity peaks and create a schedule that truly works.
Here’s a glimpse into my “typical” (if there is such a thing!) workday
- The “Golden Hour”: My mornings are my golden hours. I’m sharp, focused, and ready to tackle the most challenging tasks. This is when I dive into complex problems, write those crucial reports, or attend important meetings. I enjoy waking up early when the house is quite and being left alone to my thoughts.
- The “Afternoon Dip” Strategy: I’ve learned to recognize my afternoon dip (2-4pm). Instead of forcing myself to push through, I embrace it. This is when I schedule lighter tasks like answering emails, attending less critical meetings, or simply taking a longer break (power nap if needed) to recharge.
- The “Wind-Down”: Early evenings are for disconnecting. I’ll enjoy a leisurely dinner, read a book, or spend quality time with loved ones.
- The “Creative Recharge”: After a refreshing break, I often find a second wave of productivity in the late evening. I use this time for creative tasks like brainstorming, designing, or reviewing work. I also find that I sleep better by organizing my next day during this time.
But flexibility isn’t just about when you work, it’s about how you work
- Embrace the “Early Bird” Advantage: Leverage your morning energy by tackling your most demanding tasks first thing.
- The “Power Nap” is Your Friend: A short power nap during your afternoon dip can do wonders for re-energizing.
- The “Batching” Technique: Group similar tasks together to minimize mental switching costs and maintain focus.
Of course, flexibility comes with its own set of challenges
- Discipline is Key: It’s easy to get distracted when you’re working from home. Setting clear boundaries and sticking to a routine is crucial.
- Communication is Paramount: Clear communication with your team is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page, regardless of your working hours.
- Avoiding Burnout: It’s tempting to push yourself constantly, but it’s important to recognize your limits and prioritize rest.
The Bottom Line
A flexible schedule isn’t about slacking off. It’s about working smarter, not harder. By aligning your work schedule with your natural energy peaks and valleys, you can maximize your productivity, minimize stress, and create a sustainable and fulfilling work-life balance.
So, ditch the rigid 9-to-5 and embrace the freedom of a flexible schedule. You might just be surprised at what you can achieve when you work with your natural rhythm.
