Here’s a shocker for some: people are different. Some people need 40 hours to get work done, some only need 30 hours, some like to work as much as possible to maximize output, and some like to get the bare minimum done. Some can only get the bare minimum done. I appreciate a job where I can work 80 hours a week whenever I want. Realistically, (ignoring the time to answer a text, call, or quick email) I put in about 50-60 hours a week while classes are in session. Occasionally more, but rarely fewer than 50. I have always thought that a job shouldn’t be about the hours, but about the productivity. When I was in industry, I almost always did the 50+ hours because I like doing a thorough job, but there were the times when I just didn’t want to be there. I had to put in time, get it approved, etc. I fucking hated that. I like taking off in the middle of the day for a long lunch if I want, or leaving early, or showing up late without having to tell anyone.
When I became a group leader, and now in running my academic lab, I fostered a ‘work as much as you want, but also reap what you sow.’ I despise that the culture is, at minimum, work 40 hours, and at maximum, work until you can’t anymore in most areas. I do get annoyed when I don’t see students around, but ever since the recent bad student I had, I do have contracts where, barring any crazy circumstances, I will not fund students past 5.5 years. So they know they need to work or they’ll be out of the job. I only demand that they’re around during set times for meetings, and so I can drop in (1000-1130 and/or 1400-1530). Other than that, they can work early mornings or late nights if I’m not around. I do demand to see progress, since that’s the only thing I care about, and I’ve been pretty blatant when I haven’t been happy with progress. I feel this gives the students the freedom to work the way they wish while keeping them all on track.
I got to thinking about this because I have a new student that always tells me when they’re taking off like they’re asking for permission. I always tell them to make sure they’re around when they’re supposed to be, and that’s it. They can take off all they want and don’t need my permission unless they’re taking off for large swaths of time. I know that I would’ve appreciated that, and I definitely appreciate that now. Just a bit of gratefulness to write about….
academic infiltration 