Daniel Lemire's blog

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In 2008, work fewer hours

In 2008, instead of losing weight or earning a larger salary, work fewer hours and spend more time with your family and friends. Longer hours, beyond a certain minimum, do not seem to increase intellectual production.

Contrary to popular belief, the amount of time spent studying or at work had no direct influence on academic performance.

Reference: Sarath A. Nonis and Gail I. Hudson, Academic Performance of College Students: Influence of Time Spent Studying and Working, The Journal of Education for Business, Volume 81, Number 3 / January-February 2006.

Even if you do not care about your family, there is also a growing body of research showing that people working longer hours pollute more. Hence, by working long hours, you may pollute more, sacrifice your family, but not necessarily produce more. Reference: David Rosnick and Mark Weisbrot, Are Shorter Work Hours Good for the Environment? A Comparison of U.S. and European Energy Consumption, International Journal of Health Services, Volume 37, Number 3 / 2007.