Can you do more than 40 hours of calculation per week?

In summary, the speaker keeps track of their time spent on intellectual labor, which amounts to 60% of their free time and 49 hours per week. They separate their labor into hard and easy categories, with the hard category consisting of 43 hours per week. They are currently working on an automated theorem prover, but are concerned that they cannot work more than 43 hours per week without getting burned out. They mention that other people may have the same problem and advise taking breaks if one is not being productive. The speaker also mentions that they spend a significant amount of time sleeping.
  • #1
gamow99
71
2
I keep track of how much time I spend doing intellectual labor. It works out to 60% of my free time and 49 hours per week. I also separate my labor into two categories: hard and easy. The hard category comes to 43 hours per week since last April. That includes computer coding and writing up paper solutions which I will eventually code into a computer. I'm building an automated theorem prover and it's very hard. What bugs me however is that I cannot average more than 43 hours per week. It should be 60 hours per week and 80% of my free time. I try to work on this automated theorem prover as much as possible but my brain gets burned out way too much. It would be some consolation if I knew that other people have the same problem.
 
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  • #2
24/7 Calculus :D Ok, a few hours of sleep here n there.
 
  • #3
If you aren't able to work efficiently after some amount of time, give it a rest. No need to force yourself if you aren't going to be productive. Also, just because someone works more, that doesn't mean they are more productive.
 
  • #4
gamow99 said:
It works out to 60% of my free time and 49 hours per week.
I have nothing but free time, and I spend 40—60% of it sleeping. I probably haven't spent a total of 40 hours calculating in my entire life.
Speaking of which, it's time for my midnight nap.
 
  • #5

I understand the importance of dedicating time and effort towards intellectual labor. It is commendable that you are keeping track of the hours you spend on this work and differentiating between hard and easy tasks.

In regards to your question about being able to do more than 40 hours of calculation per week, I would say that the answer is subjective and depends on various factors such as individual capability, level of difficulty of the task, and the availability of resources. It is important to prioritize self-care and avoid burnout, as it can hinder productivity and creativity.

It is also worth considering that the quality of work may decrease after a certain number of hours, as our brains need rest and breaks to function at their best. This is why it is recommended to take breaks and engage in activities that help rejuvenate the mind.

It is not uncommon for individuals in fields such as science and research to face challenges in managing their workload and finding a balance between work and personal life. It is important to find a pace that works for you and to not compare yourself to others. Each person has their own capabilities and limitations.

In conclusion, while it may be frustrating to not be able to reach your desired number of hours per week, it is important to prioritize self-care and find a sustainable balance in your work. It is also important to remember that the progress and success of a project should not solely be measured by the number of hours put into it, but also by the quality and impact of the work.
 

1. Can working more than 40 hours per week on calculations improve productivity?

This is a common question and the answer is not a straightforward yes or no. While working longer hours may result in completing more calculations, it does not necessarily mean an increase in productivity. In fact, research has shown that working more than 40 hours per week can lead to burnout and actually decrease productivity in the long run.

2. Is it physically and mentally healthy to do more than 40 hours of calculation per week?

It is important to prioritize your health while working on calculations. Doing more than 40 hours of calculations per week can put a strain on your physical and mental well-being. It is crucial to take breaks, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

3. Can working more hours per week on calculations lead to more accurate results?

The accuracy of calculations is not necessarily dependent on the number of hours worked. It is important to prioritize accuracy over speed and take breaks to avoid making mistakes due to mental fatigue. Additionally, having a clear and organized approach to calculations can also improve accuracy.

4. Are there any tips for managing long hours of calculations per week?

To effectively manage long hours of calculations per week, it is important to prioritize tasks, take breaks, and stay organized. It can also be helpful to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, seeking help from colleagues or using technology to automate repetitive calculations can also save time and increase efficiency.

5. How can I maintain a work-life balance while doing more than 40 hours of calculations per week?

Maintaining a work-life balance while working on calculations for more than 40 hours per week can be challenging. It is important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. This can include taking breaks, engaging in hobbies or activities outside of work, and setting aside dedicated time for family and friends. It is also important to communicate with your supervisor and colleagues about your workload and ensure that your hours are manageable and sustainable in the long run.

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