We all know the phrase "working for the weekend." In fact, it's a motto of most workers I know. What about working on the weekend?
To some, it probably sounds awful. It means less time to relax and less time to spend with friends and family. What the majority of workers don't know is working during the weekend can actually help them in the long run.
"Working on the weekends allows time for thinking and being creative and innovative," says Shawn Desgrosellier, a partner with Kay/Bassman International, a recruiting firm. "In today's work force, those are qualities at the forefront of emerging market companies. The more value you can add, the more marketability and career control you will possess."
Lisa Cruz, vice president and public relations director for Weidert Group, a
marketing strategy and communications group, says working on the weekend gives her more time to focus on tasks without constant interruptions like e-mails, phone calls and meetings.
What's the Worst Job You've Had? Weigh In: WageSlave Blog"There are so many interruptions during the workweek. I find I can complete a task in less time on the weekend versus the weekday," she says. "This quiet time at the office really allows me to think through the task at hand, from start to finish.
"Increased productivity isn't the only positive thing about working while everyone else is playing on the weekend. You can also have access to clients that you otherwise wouldn't during a normal workweek, Desgrosellier says. Many times, workers will reach a prospect that is at his or her home office catching up on projects on a Saturday morning, or who is at the office organizing, planning and returning calls after the previous week.
Plus, he adds, in the early stages of your career, you can accomplish more than most of your colleagues at the same level, which makes you a better candidate for increased compensation and responsibilities.
On the Flip Side
Like any situation, working on the weekends has its downfalls. Common disadvantages include less time for rest and relaxation, not being able to recharge and missing time with friends and family, Desgrosellier says. Stephen Cruz, M.D., an urgent care physician in Wisconsin and Lisa's husband, says although it's an essential part of his job, working on the weekends effects the time he spends with his family.
"One of the biggest challenges is finding time for my wife and I to spend together," Dr. Cruz says. "Through the week our family time is fragmented but we do the best we can with the time we do have."
Because both Cruzes frequently have to work weekends, they try to make it a point to have one parent home with their three boys at all times versus having a babysitter. Mrs. Cruz says their children are supportive of their parents' work, as they have both been working since the boys were infants.
"I hope that my work ethic is a good example for them to witness and also prepares them for the future," she says. "Our boys see a dad who contributes as much to the household as anyone. He cooks, he cleans and he is involved. This is a positive role model for the boys to follow."Although time with her boys and husband is reduced, Mrs. Cruz says as long as she can be them at other times, she doesn't see working on the weekend as a sacrifice.
"Maybe we spend time together during Saturday evening, or we have Friday fun nights at our house. We certainly make the most of our time, it might just not be during a traditional weekend day," she says.
Work the Weekend to Your Advantage
Disgruntled about working on the weekend? Here are five tips to work the weekend to your advantage, according to Desgrosellier.
1. Have a plan and prioritize your tasks on the weekend
2. Execute your plan -- engage in attention management and do not multi-task.
3. Leave the office when you complete your plan.
4. Communicate to your colleagues who are also working that you have a lot to do and then you need to leave for a function. (Even if that function is relaxing on your favorite chair with a book.)
5. When your projects are complete, focus on activities that will move your career forward.
Keep on Keepin' on
Working on the weekend can be the one activity to catapult your career objectives if you manage your time at the office and execute your plan, Desgrosellier says.
"If you join a company knowing most of the executive team or your colleagues work on the weekends, it now becomes part of the culture," he says. "In order to advance you may have to engage in the same behavior. Make sure to ask the question during your interview to know the rules of the company before you say 'yes' to that job offer."
Dr. Cruz agrees, saying from the beginning, he understood the hours of his job would be challenging, as did his family, but that's part of a job he loves."Know why you are doing it and whether it is worth it to you, because once it is said and done, you'll only have yourself to blame if you can't make the adjustments."
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