You work the same hours as the average medieval peasant. No, I’m not exaggerating or being hyperbolic—it’s true.

Hard to believe, right? Well, here’s the kicker: this insane work schedule we’ve become so accustomed to wasn’t always the norm.

Ever wonder where your work hours come from? When were they originally instilled into society? Sure, everyone works different hours now—some people have overnight shifts, some work 10-6 or 12-8—but generally speaking, most jobs today follow the 8-5 or 9-5 schedule. How did we get here? Why does it feel so normal to clock in at 8 a.m. and drag ourselves to the finish line at 5 p.m.?

Let’s rewind a bit. In the late 1700s, during the Industrial Revolution, countries like the United Kingdom were at the center of this shift, with people moving from farms into factories. These factories relied on natural daylight. The problem? In winter, the sun barely rose by 7 a.m. and set around 4 p.m. This created the 8-5 workday—not out of concern for workers’ health or well-being, but because it wasn’t safe for people to operate heavy machinery in the dark. Remember, electricity wasn’t available, and relying on gas lamps or candles wasn’t practical for large factories.

But here’s the strange part: we still cling to this model today, even though it’s based on a problem that no longer exists. In today’s world of 24/7 lighting, automation, and remote work, why are we still following a pattern designed for people who couldn’t work past sunset? It doesn’t make sense anymore.

We’re seeing a rise in discussions about flexible schedules, 4-day workweeks, and task-based jobs instead of simply clocking hours. These ideas aren’t extreme anymore—they’re gaining traction because people are realizing the 8-5 model isn’t about productivity; it’s just outdated.

The 8-5 has been ingrained in our minds as “normal” since we were young. We spend one-third of our lives at work, I think it’s important that we question topics like this that have such a big impact on our lives. Understanding where these practices stem from and why they are required is crucial.

Some of us love our jobs, thriving every minute we spend working. But for most, work is just a means to an end—a paycheck. There’s no shame in that. But remember, your job isn’t your life, and you are not your job. Life happens outside the office, with family, in your passions, and in finding work you truly enjoy.

If you’re grinding 40+ hours a week for a 1% raise and a holiday gift card, you owe it to yourself to reconsider. Spend the next 3 months searching for something that excites you. Time moves fast. You only get one shot at this—make it count.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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