In another study conducted by Adobe in 2023, surveying over 5,500 workers globally, an insight emerged: many Gen Zers "find their productivity peak as the sun sets and prefer to begin their workday at 6 p.m."¹ Over a quarter of Gen Z workers reported that their peak productivity time falls between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m.²
I'm definitely not a #GenZ, but my journey as a freelancer has led me to discover my own productivity rhythm. In my 30-year career, I've rarely adhered to a 9-to-5 schedule. Instead, my most efficient work hours for creative projects often span from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Being in the arts industry, late-night rehearsals, performances, and promotional events were integral components of my routine, challenging the notion of "conventional" working hours. We even went to pubs and nightclubs to promote our events from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. So, what are the "correct working hours"? My schedule and lifestyle were radical for many at that time.
For almost three decades, I've encountered cynicism from those around me due to my non-traditional schedule. On days when I didn’t have rehearsals, performances, or in-venue teaching, I did my desk-bound work from home. I received comments like "lazy" and "why don't you have a proper job?". However, the paradigm shift brought about by the pandemic has normalized flexible work arrangements and challenged traditional notions of productivity.
Before the pandemic, I worked part-time in a company, handling creative desk-bound projects, among my other freelance projects. The arrangement required me to be in the office, working independently on my personal laptop from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., three days per week. After six months, I approached the boss and requested to work from home with the same workload. Although open to the idea, the boss proposed a 30% pay cut, which I couldn't accept.
Today, as an educator delivering evening tertiary classes, I continue to embrace a non-traditional schedule. While some may question my sleeping patterns, I prioritize adaptability. The ability to adjust my sleep schedule to meet professional demands has been valuable to me. Despite my unconventional schedule, I do get a full 8-9 hours of sleep daily.
I'm not advocating going to bed late or having a "non-conventional" sleep habit. However, consider this: what if everyone had an "optimal" sleep behavior? Who would surveil our nation and neighborhood through the night? Who would provide transportation for those who work night shifts? What about entertainers and event organizers?
I have many friends of my generation who've criticized my sleeping patterns out of concern for me. However, I can sleep "early" at 10 p.m. and wake up for an 8 a.m. assignment; I can sleep at 4 a.m. if I'm full of inspiration to complete my tasks during the wee hours of the night. It may sound controversial, but isn't "adaptability" a survival skill too?
¹https://lnkd.in/gBzXWbMF by Caleb Naysmith
²https://lnkd.in/gfQbnMuD by Alison Roller
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