Bottom of inbox seen

Today I have gotten to the bottom of my inbox for the first time since August. One and a half week ago I had about 400 emails marked as unread (though for the most part actually in process of being read or treated).

More assessments for UiA

Today I was asked to grade a further 50 or 60 exam papers in Examen Philosophicum for the University of Agder (UiA), on top of the 90 we have already agreed on. I was further asked to grade 8 papers in Examen Facultatum (general version). I have said yes on both accounts. I now have 8 papers to grade by May 29th, and a further 140-150 formally by June 11th (but in practice a bit before, since I have travel plans).

These latest assignments bring my approximate workload (Full-time equivalent) for UiA in 2012 up from some 8,5% to 12,5%. Adding this to the 62,5% for UiS, my total paid workload increases from perhaps 71% to 75%.

New rules for my work week

Last weekend I decided to change my rules of engagements workwise. In recent months my rules have been that I work six days a week, with Saturday or Sunday off, and aim at working until 6 pm on work days. My average work week so far in 2012 stands at about 63 hours. The new rules imply that I will have BOTH Saturday and Sunday off regularly (unless I am on a work trip), and that I will on weekdays aim at working either 8-18 or 9-19 or 10-20.

My motivation for these changes? A feeling of being overworked for the last three weeks in a row; a coming child, the worries of friends and family (My name is Morten Tønnessen, and I am a workaholic).

New work rules

While I revised my doctoral work this weekend with regard to what to submit as PhD dissertation, I also reworked my work habits.

As the two next figures show, I have worked long work weeks since 2009 (the last diagram displays the work hours so far in 2011 week by week).

The trouble with such long work weeks is, for one thing, that one risks blurring the difference between work and free time, if work is omnipotent. After having pressured myself lately, I have now introduced two new principles so as to self-disciplinize myself (and become a better husband):
1) At least one full day without work (as in duty) each week!
2) As a rule no work after 6 pm!