Why I Finally Moved to a 4-Day Week (and What I’ve Learned So Far)

Why I Finally Moved to a 4-Day Week (and What I’ve Learned So Far)

For the last two years, I’ve been telling myself:

“Once I’ve finished this project… once I’ve recruited that role… once things are quieter… then I’ll drop to a four-day week.”

But here’s the truth — that perfect moment never arrives.

It’s a bit like joining a gym: “I’ll go once I lose some weight, or once I’m fitter, or once I’ve bought the right gear…” The reality is, there’s never a perfect time.

So at the start of the school holidays, I decided to just do it. Which in itself was interesting — trying to balance running a business while acting as a walking ATM and chauffeur for my teenagers.

After four weeks, here are my initial observations:

1. The 4 Days I Work Are Far More Productive

I’ve been surprised by how much you can get through when you focus and reduce the time available. Those four days are sharper, more efficient, and I find myself prioritising better.

2. A Little Weekend Work Isn’t a Bad Thing

I’ve done a couple of hours on a Sunday. It might sound counterintuitive, but it actually helps me feel prepared and organised for the week ahead — and I’ve wanted to do it, rather than feeling I had to.

3. Energy and Motivation Are Up

Stepping back one day a week has given me a noticeable boost in energy and drive. I approach my Monday-to-Thursday with more intent.

4. The “Free Day” Isn’t Always Easy

Here’s the unexpected part: I’m the only non-golfer in my house. So when everyone else is on the course, I’ve found myself… a bit lost. For years, my weekends were packed with ferrying kids to sports events, playdates, and parties. Now they’re more independent, I have time to myself — something I’ve been craving — but I didn’t quite know what to do with it. One golf-heavy weekend left me particularly adrift and craving the structure of work. I suddenly found myself thinking, How do people adjust when they retire?!

5. Old Habits Die Hard

Last week, I wasn’t as productive as I’d like Monday to Thursday, so I ended up working most of Friday. After working five days a week since graduating, adapting to four is harder than I imagined. And of course, running your own business means you still need to be available for urgent calls or emails.

The Takeaway (So Far)

The shift to a 4-day week has been an adjustment — some parts easier than expected, others trickier. The productivity boost is real, but so is the challenge of figuring out how to spend that extra time meaningfully.

I’m sticking with it for now, refining as I go. Because if I’ve learned anything, it’s this: waiting for the “right time” is just another way of saying “not yet” — and sometimes you just have to take the leap.

Caroline Kingsley
M: 07768 381 831
E: caroline@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk