Maggie Rants [and Raves]

Too Many Hours in a Day

by Maggie Franklin | September 10, 2014 | Bookmark +

How many hours am I supposed to work? Or, for that matter, are any of us supposed to work?

I have always built my schedule around the concept of a traditional 40-hour workweek — whether I work eight hours a day, five days a week, or 10 hours a day, four days a week. I actually really like to work 12 hours a day, three days a week, and I consider myself “full time” at 35 hours a week.

But if I work 12-hour days, the next thing I know, I’m agreeing to throw in a couple of appointments here and there on those days off until, next thing I know, I’m working 60-hour weeks!

And then there’s the issue of running a business; there’s so much more to do than just nails. I have to do the banking, the books, the inventory, ordering, returning phone calls, research, marketing, networking, and continuing education. All of which contribute to my love of three long days of services, allowing time for all those other things that need doing.

Doing nails isn’t just a full time job, it’s a lifestyle. There have hardly been any moments in the last 22 years of my life when some aspect of my business wasn’t on my mind.

But it doesn’t matter if I put 60+ hours a week into my career. There will always be someone who thinks I lack dedication. I’m “lazy,” or “too laid back,” or “...well I guess you don’t want it bad enough.” Sometimes people accuse me of not needing to work; they like to think that because I live with the BF, obviously he pays the bills for me. (AS IF!)

I get this reaction when someone finds out I don’t work on weekends, or when I don’t answer the phone at 8 a.m. It’s hard for some people to wrap their brain around the idea that someone can make a living after the sun sets, I guess.

Apparently, a lot of people expect me to live here — no matter how many hours I work, it won’t meet with their approval. I currently have my work weeks averaging 46 hours. Some of the shortest weeks I’ve ever worked in this business.

I wish I got paid overtime.

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