The ongoing debate in India about working 70 to 90 hours a week has sparked significant discussion among industry leaders and employees alike. As a parent, I feel compelled to share my perspective on this issue, particularly in light of the impact it has on family life and personal well-being.

The Myth of Quantity Over Quality

In school we were always told by our teachers, in order to get more marks, write windingly long essays. Brevity and being precise was something that was shunned upon and hardly ever encouraged. Because it seemed, oddly, that merit exists in quantity and not quality of work

This teaching, in quantity over quality has permeated our professional lives as well. The notion that working 90 hours hours a week, including weekends translates to greater productivity is highly debatable.

I did some simple maths on the 90 hour theory:

• A standard workweek of 8 hours from Monday to Friday totals 40 hours.
• Including weekends, that rises to 56 hours.
• To reach 90 hours, an additional 34 hours are required, which means working approximately 13 hours a day.

This leaves only 11 hours for other activities. Assuming 7 hours of sleep, we are left with just 4 hours for personal time. After accounting for commuting and basic daily routines, this dwindles to a mere 1.5 hours for entertainment and essential tasks like socializing or attending to family responsibilities. And we have all heard the maxim - “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

The Burden on Families

But this indeed is Jack’s world that we are describing because this scenario applies to the typical Indian male who may not contribute significantly to household chores. But when considering women in the workforce, especially those who are married with children, the situation becomes even more complex and stressful. The added responsibilities of managing a household and raising children can be overwhelming, is highly understated

As a young professional, I have experienced the toll that long workdays can take on personal health and imagine, with no responsibilities whatsoever. While I have occasionally worked 15-16 hour days during demanding projects, such a lifestyle is unsustainable after starting your own family, if put into practice day after day. Today, with an 8-year-old daughter and a decade-long marriage, my perspective is on working efficiently and giving the desired results rather than putting in extra hours that would still give me, if not the same, similar results. 

The Importance of Parental Involvement

I want to be an active participant in my child's life, not a glorified babysitter. I don’t want my life to be defined by professional work but by what I do in my personal space as a father and a husband. I always knew I wanted to be a parent and contribute equally in raising my child. I dont want my wife to do this alone, I WANT to be a part of it. Many times I have been told things like “haan but your wife is there no? Why do you have to always be behind your daughter?” BECAUSE SHE IS MY DAUGHTER AND I WANT TO PARENT, NOT HAVE TO, BUT WANT TO. My wife has very strong professional ambitions as well and she is fantastic at her job. 

The Cost of Extra Hours

Employers frequently advocate for longer working hours without addressing the implications for employees' personal lives. What about fair compensation for these extra hours? The time lost with family or pursuing hobbies is invaluable and should be recognized as such.

Moreover, the health consequences of excessive work cannot be ignored. After long days at the office, many individuals struggle to maintain healthy lifestyles; exercise becomes a chore, and junk food often becomes the default choice due to sheer exhaustion.

A Call for Reflection

We often focus solely on economic metrics—GDP, ROI, revenue—but neglect the softer aspects that contribute to human development: emotional quality of life, happiness indices, and nurturing future generations.

As we face global challenges such as declining birth rates and shifting societal values regarding family life, we must ask ourselves: For whom are we building this nation? If we prioritize relentless work over quality family time and personal fulfillment, we risk creating a society where emotional well-being is sacrificed for economic gain.

In conclusion, while hard work is undoubtedly important for national progress, we must also recognize the value of balance—between professional ambitions and personal lives. As parents and caregivers, our contributions extend far beyond the workplace; they shape the future of our society and ultimately define our legacy.