<p>When I was working in Big Pharma, we were “expected” to work about 45-50 hours a week, even though the job description said otherwise. I still remember when we got a new head of HR who actually mused (aloud), “How can I get people to work longer hours without paying them any more money?” Uh…</p>
<p>My D is an accountant for a big 4 firm and routinely works 80 hours or more a week during busy season. Any time I mention her crazy hours, she reminds me that she knew what she was signing up for when she took the job. Still…</p>
<p>Well, I can tell you a lot about work hours in medicine. But not where you think. I am talking about the nurses and support staff. Gone are the days of working 0700 to 1900 hr shifts. Those shifts are there, but too often the nurses are completing their patient charts for 1 - 3 hours after their shifts ended. Due to the fact that the patient to nurse ratios have steadily increased, the nurses are unable to consistently finish their duties during work hours. Whenever they are near overtime, they may be abruptly flexed off. </p>
<p>My former office manager worked a good 65 - 80 hours per week. She was hospitalized with a bad infection for a week and was working from her hospital bed. Since we were both employed by the hospital, I was powerless to modify her responsibilities. Though she was told she was not allowed to work while hospitalized, she knew she would be held responsible for any issues that occurred during her absence. Crazy world!</p>