I switched to a 4-day working week a few years back, taking a 20% pay cut in the process - and I haven't looked back!
There has been no drop in productivity - I guess I procrastinate less, and am more focused on doing things that need done.
I have an extra day for family and side projects - 1 day might not sound like much, but having that extra day off feels like my work/life balance is so much better!
If anyone else has the opportunity, and can afford the pay cut of course, I highly recommend it.
P.S. there was no way to negotiate less than a 20% cut; I work for a megacorp that has rigid rules and doesn't give half a crusty shit about individuals.
Edit: I should have also mentioned that I'm in the UK, where under EU law, employers have to consider reasonable requests for flexible working. I should have also mentioned that I work 7.5h per day, and the only time I work overtime is when I'm travelling to a customer site (which itself is rare, obviously not happening at all now!)
There has been no drop in productivity - I guess I procrastinate less, and am more focused on doing things that need done.
I have an extra day for family and side projects - 1 day might not sound like much, but having that extra day off feels like my work/life balance is so much better!
If anyone else has the opportunity, and can afford the pay cut of course, I highly recommend it.
P.S. there was no way to negotiate less than a 20% cut; I work for a megacorp that has rigid rules and doesn't give half a crusty shit about individuals.
Edit: I should have also mentioned that I'm in the UK, where under EU law, employers have to consider reasonable requests for flexible working. I should have also mentioned that I work 7.5h per day, and the only time I work overtime is when I'm travelling to a customer site (which itself is rare, obviously not happening at all now!)