Curious how many hours a week do you usually work? I average around 45, sometimes pushing past 50. For those working longer hours, would you consider taking a slight pay cut for better work-life balance if the benefits (like healthcare, 401k) stayed relatively the same? Or does the tradeoff not feel worth it?

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I typically work up to 60 hours a week, which I've realized over the last couple of years is too much for me to have a successful work/life balance. At this point, I honestly think I would take a pay cut as long as I could keep my benefits if it meant having a bit more personal time to myself. I would much rather spend that time with my family than my coworkers.

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I totally get where you’re coming from - 60 hours is a lot, and preserving your well-being and family time is priceless. If taking a slight pay cut means regaining that balance (while keeping your benefits), it sounds like a smart trade-off. Your health and relationships are worth it!

Usually 50 and frankly I’m tired of it! I need to make some serious decisions in my life. The toll on mental health is not worth it.

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I hear you! 50 hours a week is draining, and mental health comes first. If taking a small pay cut lets you dial back those hours and reclaim your life, it could be the best investment in your well-being.

Average is straight 40 for me. Would absolutely take a slight cut though if I needed it and could still survive on what was offered. Have worked some crazy hours in the past, made decent money doing it, but it just isn’t worth it when I feel like all I do is work and then too exhausted to live outside of the job.

That makes total sense—40 hours can still feel like all work if you’re wiped out afterward. If a small pay cut means you’re energized enough to actually enjoy your life outside the job, it sounds like a trade-off worth making.

I’ve really cut this down over the last few years so I just don’t take on as much extra stuff as I used to. Would say I average out at about 35 hours

That’s impressive - 35 hours is a great groove.

I cut down quite a bit this year, took a drop in pay a bit and am now doing 35 hours. My work life balance is so much better and in general I am much happier. Sometimes money isn’t everything if it’s taking a toll on your mental health

That’s fantastic! It's a real investment in your well-being. Dropping to 35 hours and a bit less pay sounds like it’s paid off in happiness and balance.

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Oddly enough, I took a large pay increase AND managed better WLB. It was a right place right time situation, and with a new job I was able to set time boundaries early on. I average 30-40 hrs depending on the week now instead of a constant 45-50 from before.

That’s awesome! You nailed it by setting boundaries from day one!

I definitely work an average of 50 hours per week most weeks but there are some weeks when I work closer to 60-70 hours depending on what we have going on. I think about taking a pay cut and having better work life balance literally all the time.

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