The Four Tens Tangle: Why a Marathon Workday Isn't for Everyone

Picture this: it’s only Tuesday, and you’re already dreaming of the weekend. You’re not lazy; you’re just a normal human enduring the marathon of four 10-hour workdays. This schedule, my friend, is not a walk in the park—it’s more like a sprint through a maze while wearing roller skates.

Let's talk about Bob, an enthusiastic customer service rep with a love for model trains and a hate for early alarms. Bob thought the 4/10 schedule would be his ticket to hobby heaven—three days off to tinker with his trains! What he didn't factor in was how the long days would feel longer than a bad movie.

The Early Bird Burnout

Starting early and finishing late, Bob quickly realized he was signing up for a daily endurance test. "By the seventh hour, I’m less of a helpful service rep and more of a parrot repeating company policy," Bob confesses. His energy tank begins sputtering long before quitting time, making the last few hours feel like a crawl through molasses.

Social Life on the Sidelines

If you think maintaining a social life with a normal schedule is tough, try squeezing in friends when you’re working ten-hour shifts. "It’s like everyone is partying, and I’m just waving from the window," Bob jokes. His weeknight dinners turned into solo microwave meals, and catching up with friends became a weekend-exclusive event.

The Zombie Walk

And then there’s the zombie walk—Bob’s term for his post-work energy level. "I get home, and my dog wants to play, but I’m just staring into the fridge wondering if I can sleep there because it's closer than my bed."

The extended hours take a toll, not just on his social life but on his physical well-being. Evenings are less about relaxation and more about recovery.

The Long-Weekend Mirage

Sure, a three-day weekend sounds great until you spend the first day recovering from the four-day marathon. "I call them my phantom days," says Bob. "I plan to do so much, but sometimes all I manage is a Netflix marathon from my couch."

Is It Worth the Extra Day Off?

For some, like Bob, the 4/10 workweek is a mixed bag. It promises a long stretch of off days but at the cost of personal energy and nightly freedom. "It’s great for my train projects," he admits, "but I’ve had to become a weekend warrior in every sense."

Conclusion: Choose Your Battles

The four tens schedule isn’t for everyone. It suits those who can sprint through ten hours without losing steam, who don’t mind sacrificing evenings for a chunkier weekend. For folks like Bob, it’s a constant balancing act between time at work and time spent recovering.

So, if you’re considering this schedule, weigh your options, maybe talk to your pet (they're great listeners), and think about what you're really gaining versus what you're trading off. Because in the end, every hour counts, whether you’re building model trains or building memories.