Do any of you only work 4 hours/day even though you're still in 'grind mode'?

I know it's a weird question but I ask because sometimes I think I might be more productive that way and curious if anyone has actually tried it. Right now I work a 'typical' 8-10 hour day. I start at around 8am and work until noon, take a break and then get back at it. The problem is that from about 1-4 I feel like I'm mostly just putzing around on my computer. I get drawn into social media chats and even play dumb little solitaire video games, and then get another second wind around 4pm until 6 or 7, but even then it's not as productive as the morning. Sometimes I wonder if I just limited myself to those \~4 morning hours, with maybe an afternoon/evening check in, if I might be on the net getting just as much done. The problem is I haven't really figured out anything interesting enough to replace those midday hours. I schedule appointments in there and things like that but I'd love to give myself space to go do something fun too. The other problem is that I'm not really where I want to be financially at all yet either. Anyways, curious if anyone has done something similar and what your experience was. Thanks!

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u/MoreShoe2 1 3 days ago

I was in grind mode for about 4 years, then two people I love died - and I've slowed down completely. I work about 6 hours of focused work/day and maybe another 2 of lolligagging/admin type of work. I'm actually more productive than when I was grinding, my work is better, and my finances haven't changed one bit. I've gone grind mode a few times since and it always does way more harm than good so now I'm enjoying coasting.
u/thealmonded 1 3 days ago

Sort of. I’ve got about 5-6 hours of really high quality work in me on most days. So I’ll grind from about 9-2 and then assess. Sometimes I’m mid project and want to keep going. Sometimes I’ll do simple tasks. Or sometimes I’ll just wrap for the day and hit the gym. Other thing that’s worth considering is that because you’re thinking about your business all the time, you don’t have a clean on/off the way someone working a 9-5 does. So you’re spending more time on it than just the heads down work time.
u/rococo78 OP 1 3 days ago

That last point is valid. I definitely will catch myself spending a lot of time sitting at my computer trying to figure out how to handle a certain challenge but oftentimes the answer just occurs to me a day or two later and I can't help but wonder if that process might even speed up by taking some more breaks.
u/HPCBusinessManager 1 3 days ago

It’s not common for someone to be able to stay focused for a solid brick of 8 hours. Windows has a “focus time” option in the clock. I use it to schedule blocks of time with pre schedule breaks. Every 50min of work, little 5 min break from the task at hand (no social media or bullshit, just chill for a minute maybe read something relevant from a competitor). Sometimes the focus mode comes in where time flies. Here is something interesting: There are two strong modalities of thought one is great for problem solving and memorizing the other is excellent for creativity. I try to schedule time to use one or the other. Building time (product development), communication time (combo of both), and creative time (marketing) Research competition passively during breaks. It’s chill, not strict, but works. The focus time function helps.
u/mosodigital 1 3 days ago

I was in grind mode for quite a while and stayed in it even when there wasn't much to do. I'd invent tasks just to keep busy. It took me almost 2 years to realize I don't need to work much anymore, like 3-5 hours a week. That being said, I only get to work so little now because I put in the focused time to build businesses that bring in money and didn't allow myself to get distracted by nonsense. Cutting your hours because you aren't productive because of removable distractions is like saying you are going to stop using the kitchen faucet so often because it's leaking. Fix the problem; don't cater to it. Now, if you are already at the point where you are well provided for because of an automated workflow, by all means, it might be time to consider enjoying the fruits of your labor, but if you aren't where you want to be financially, the answer is to remove the distractions, form better focus habits, and maybe do some learning on productivity.
u/WamBamTimTam 1 3 days ago

I’ve got the entire company on 9-4 with a 1 hour paid lunch break. So 6 hours of actual work. Everyone loves it, I’m less stressed, they are less stressed. Being at work for a long period doing nothing is just pointless.