But if you can present a convincing case for a compressed workweek, allowing for four, 10-hour days a week, why not arrange it to best recharge your waning drive and energy?

Consider these points when deciding which weekday to take off from the office:

Which Work Days NOT to Take Off

Avoid choosing Monday as your off day. Career visibility and involvement may wane if you miss out on the action that characterizes the beginning of the week in most workplaces.

Besides, many (US) national holidays have offices officially closed on a Monday, so you may enjoy the occasional three-day weekend anyway.

Taking Fridays has appeal; it tends to be a slower business day and the prospect of a three-day weekend—every week—is hard to resist.

But keep in mind that supportive working relationships are vital to nurturing your career. Taking every Friday off may result in a wall of resentment over time among co-workers and subordinates—-even superiors—who don't enjoy a similar arrangement. That could be a prescription for an eventual fall-out.

In either case, working four 10-hour days in a row doesn't combat the fatigue that many working mothers and others are seeking to overcome.

Why I Recommend Wednesdays Off

I imagine you really like the idea of every Friday off, right? But I recommend Wednesdays as the off day if it can be arranged within the context of your job. Here's why.

Having a midweek break from work allows you to pause your pace which can restore a sense of personal control over your home life.

It could be an activity-filled day: maybe something child-related like a school field trip; shopping, errands, personal appointments and chores are also typical.

Yet, you may find that the shift in activities midstream in your workweek refreshes you for the week's remaining two workdays.

And what a relief to have weekends devoted to genuine leisure and family time, not just a squeeze-in and catch-up time of errands and chores.

Most of us are moving in and out of multiple roles in a hectic fashion throughout the week anyway. A calmer-paced rhythm of two days 'on' and one (Wednesday) or two days (weekends) 'off' can help you overcome fatigue and enhance both your work and personal lives.

Give it a go and let me know how it works out for you.

“Many thanks for the ability to use the research and structure you provide to create a winning proposal; my compressed workweek schedule has been approved. I was able to communicate my needs while providing my employer with a plan to get the work done. It is a win-win.”
Diana Mezick, Administrative Assistant, Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Bethesda, MD

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