Is Working Weekends Part Of Your Work Life?

An American Time Use Survey shows that nearly one third of Americans work on the weekends.  This does not mean that every person working weekends works a full 9-5 work day.  For instance, it would include things like going into the office for a few hours to finish up a project.  Some people enjoy working weekends, while others, absolutely despise it.  Where do you fall on this topic?

3 Pros Of Working Weekends

1. You Can Get More Done –  Oftentimes, with fewer people around, you can get more done and be more productive.  Fewer people around means less disruptions and distractions.

2. You Can Enjoy The Weekdays –  Having some free time on the weekdays can make it easier to get errands done.  For example, there are less crowds to deal with making errands more efficient.  In addition to this, you are able to get appointments done during regular business hours without having to take time off to do them. 

3. Extra Money –  If you have a job where overtime pay applies to the weekend shift, you’ll earn more money than working a regular weekday.  Another option is to get a second job.  If your weekday job doesn’t allow you enough income for the lifestyle you desire, you can pick up a part-time job on the weekend to help pad the wallet.  

3 Cons Of Working Weekends

1. Everyone Else Is Off  –  While many of your friends and family are out enjoying themselves, you are stuck at work.  You may miss out on birthday parties, BBQ’s, and other weekend festivities.  It can also put a damper on your nighttime activities due to the fact that you have to wake up and be alert for work the next day.

2. Lack of Work-Life Balance –  Many weekend workers are just adding to the 40 + hour workweek that they are already putting in by also working weekends.  Ask yourself whether work is crowding out other major parts of your life, like exercise, on weekends. If so, you may be working compulsively.  

3. Can Be Boring and Lonely –  If you are someone who thrives off of human interaction and energy, working weekends could be a tough one for you.  It is quiet, and up to you to find that energy for drive and productivity.  

Working Weekends Has Become “The Norm”

For many Americans, working on weekends has become the norm.  A recent survey by Enterprise Rent-A-Car of 1,000 Americans ages 25 and older found that 67 percent of respondents worked on a typical weekend.  This is if we were to take into consideration Americans that check and respond to work related emails on the weekends. 

If you enjoyed this post, I think you’d also enjoy, “Benefits of Dogs In The Workplace“.  We would love your feedback, so make sure to comment in the comment section below!