How do you explain one of them...

[Grog]

I'm not sure you need to mention the reason why you do not want to work from 6 to 6. Whether it's to cycle or take care of kids or watch TV or bake the world's biggest chocolate chip cookie (!!!) is not really their business.

Can you simply, gently, diplomatically refuse some of the new assignations you're given? It might be pointless to explain (to them) that you want to lead a balanced personal life...

[HappyAnika]

That's a really tough position to be in. I happen to be "a researh PhD" at a gov't institution, but luckily most of my colleagues go by the 40 hour work week, myself included. Not so for my friends who work for companies. If it was me, I would perhaps just start working 8 hours a day, then when the work isn't done and the boss complains, point out that I am only one person and can only do one person's worth of work. Ok, that would be the passive agressive route. In the past when my husband was working 60 hour weeks including weekends, I suggested he might politely tell his boss that he's being overworked and needs some help. That worked well for him, they gave him half the time of a worker bee to pick up some of the slack. But then his boss is pretty reasonable.

Perhaps it was a mistake for me to walk out of a meeting last week at 5 pm because I had to go ride? Really, I was meeting my husband to ride home, and if I didn't meet him he would have thought the worst. (The meeting was scheduled to end at 5). I don't do meetings past 5 unless its really really really important. I hate staying until 5 just because other people can't get up early.

[Bluetree]

I have a long work week, too. My usual week is about 60-65 hours, and can get up to 80 hours a week during the busy season. But I still try to get in 75-100 miles a week (+ swim and run), even if I have to get up at 3am and go out riding covered in lights. (I think I'd go crazy otherwise.)

Fortunately, I can ride all year around in Southern California weather. Nope, I don't have much of a life outside of working/training. But I love what I do so that makes a difference.

If I were you, I'd explain the need to limit the number of hours a week, and not apologize for it. And, I'd change my phrasing from "cycling" to "training." Most workaholics can appreciate goals, and if you tell them you are working towards a race, you might get some slack!

[KnottedYet]

"If you want a project done, give it to someone who is busy."

You are too good. Start saying "no" or delegating. Or if they ask you to do something new, ask them which of your existing projects they want you to drop for it. Or tell them you want to hire an assistant. (students always need internships, too)

If you keep doing extra, they'll keep giving you extra.

[Offthegrid]

This happens to me, too. My workload has tripled since I was hired and I'm on call more than twice the amount of time they told me I would be when I'm hired. I fortunately don't have to put in more hours typically (sometimes); I just try to work much faster. But my office is FULL of workaholics.

Is it possible for you to bike commute to work? Then at least you'd get a ride -- and you could possibly take a ride at lunch, too.

[KSH]

That's a tough situation.

I think I would approach it by talking to your Boss about what makes you a more productive employee. Being healthy and having a balanced life will keep you from burning out on the job and eventually leaving.

If you are a good employee who your boss values... then he/she would want to you to keep working hard... but not burn out and leave.

You don't have to say... I MUST CYCLE... instead... just say that to stay sane and productive, you need to have some time for physical activity. And you are more than willing to put in the time, but there are some days when you might only work an 8 hour day, and you hope she/he can respect that... so you can keep working hard and not go nuts.

[Mr. Bloom]

just say that to stay sane and productive, you need to have some time for physical activity. And you are more than willing to put in the time, but there are some days when you might only work an 8 hour day, and you hope she/he can respect that... so you can keep working hard and not go nuts.

As a boss, I would honor this...but I encourage you to write out what you would say and practice it before you actually say it. Be sincere in your delivery.

I make sure that people know that I (and they) are better off with balance in life. I honor this and model it for my employees.

Regardless of your political orientation, you have to acknowledge that President Bush is able to have scheduled exercise everyday...and he leads one of the largest countries in the world!

So, if the prez can do it, we can too.

[East Hill]

I don't think you have to say "I need to go ride my bike", so much as "I need some time to do physical activity which will allow me to focus better on the tasks at hand, and I'll need this much time per day to fit in this exercise".

I know what it's like, I've been working six days a week for far too long because the management here do not wish to make the person who has a bid to relieve me actually LEARN the job. He's on 'light duty' because HE's stressed. Apparently I don't count. So, I ride my bike everyday.

East Hill

[Blueberry]

As a boss, I would honor this...but I encourage you to write out what you would say and practice it before you actually say it. Be sincere in your delivery.

I make sure that people know that I (and they) are better off with balance in life. I honor this and model it for my employees.

Mr. Silver-

Sadly, I would say that this puts you in the minority of bosses, based on what I've seen. Of course, I work in a worse than average profession (law) in a very large firm.

Our billable hours requirements actually jumped significantly a couple of months ago, and we haven't been paid any more money. The entire attitude is "how many hours can we squeeze out of each person." Need to take care of a family member? Only if it's a convenient time. You're really sick - you can't take a sick day unless it's convenient (which means almost never). You thought you were leaving early (6) - ha - have this 6 hour project on my desk before your go (nope, not a court or client deadline). I can never predict when I'll be home. There's been half serious discussion about what kind of stimulants (e.g. caffeine) and in what doses most effectively let people get 4 hours of sleep so we can work more. Their entire concept of work-life balance is 1) being passionate about your work so it is your life and 2) telling you how to hire people to do other stuff in your life so that you can work more.

So....kudos to you for what you're doing! I can only wish there were more like you out there.