#212 - Why You Shouldn't Be A Slave to a 40 Hour Work Week
About This Episode
Sam and Shaan explore the origins of the 40-hour workweek, arguing that it is a relic of the industrial age that is poorly suited for modern knowledge workers. They discuss alternative work philosophies like 'working like a lion' and the 'new rich' model, which prioritizes time freedom and high-impact sprints over constant busyness. The episode also features anecdotes about career evolution, the future of work as small 'missions,' and Shaan's personal encounter with a rattlesnake.
Episode Description
Show Notes
- * (1:04) The 40 Hour Workweek
- * (3:56) The Science of Fear
- * (7:57) What Shaan learned from The Four Hour Workweek
- * (11:23) Mini retirements
- * (13:35) What it's like in other countries
- * (17:35) Living like a lion or cow
- * (20:04) Shaan on Naval
- * (27:05) How to get rich without getting lucky
- * (29:27) The future of work
- * (36:51) The history of writing
- * (41:17) Beware of the rattle snack
- * (48:05) Bert behind Bert's Bees
Key Takeaways
Adopt the 'lion' work model by performing high-intensity 'sprints' on high-value tasks followed by periods of rest and observation, rather than 'grazing' like a cow with constant low-level activity.
Prioritize 'effective wealth' by calculating your freedom number—the amount needed to cover your life costs—and optimizing for time and location independence rather than just a high salary.
Prepare for the 'Ocean's 11' future of work, where small, specialized teams of independent agents assemble for short-term 'missions' with high bounties rather than staying in permanent large-firm structures.