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In this issue…

• Biz in a backpack: Hustle culture is B.S. Even Alcatraz prisoners get more time off.

• Pack that suitcase: Featured location—San Francisco

I wrote this for Copyhackers to shed some light on the B.S. that is Hustle Culture.

Enjoy! Hope it sheds some light and sparks some rebellion in you:

“Historians report that back in the late 1800s, it was the norm to work most hours of the day under horrible working conditions. 

Eventually, people realized long workdays were detrimental to quality of life, and activists and labor unions started advocating for a 40-hour work week. 

In 1940, the 40-hour work week became the norm and is still the gold standard for what is considered “full-time” employment today.

As an interesting side note, an 8-hour workday was a regulation for Alcatraz prisoners. But, even Alcatraz prisoners had Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays reserved for recreation. See:

But here’s the thing:

We don’t live in the Industrial Age or the 1940s anymore – nor are we prisoners on the most infamous US island. 

We live in the Information Age, and much of the work we do today is centered around exerting brain power – not physical labor.

Furthermore, we have learned a lot in the last 200 years about how productive we can be during a day’s work.

We now know that the human brain can remain in a state of intense concentration for three to four hours per day. One study from the UK reported productivity rates of slightly under three hours.

Over the years, I’ve made it a rule to limit my writing hours to an average of four hours a day. It’s been revolutionary.

Kristen Hicks, a highly-successful freelance writer who often writes about burnout, adopted a similar workflow. When I interviewed Kristen, she said:

“I don’t even try to work 8 hours a day – it’s more like 4 hours most days. I make time for exercise and rest, because I know I get more done and do better work when I do. I try to take at least three weeks of vacation time every year, and really feel the difference if I fail to take vacations.”

What’s more, research from HBR shows that people are actually more productive when they limit their work hours and manage overload properly. 

My best work happens in a three-to-four-hour window. When I accept so much work that I’m writing for more than four hours per day, quality suffers. 

Worse, I start to resent my job. In Asana’s Anatomy of Work Report other workers report similar impacts of burnout, like: 

• a lower morale (36%)

• making more mistakes (29%)

• and a lack of engagement with work (29%) 

Takeaway: Let our grandparents’ idea that you’re only a hard worker if you get up at 4 am to milk the cow clack away at the keyboard. Instead, embrace modern research and try limiting your working hours to improve your productivity.”

San Francisco. One of my favorite things about San Francisco is there are often super cheap flight deals to SFO (if you live in the west). Also, you can often find cheap tickets to Tahiti from this airport. BONUS!

What to do:

• Golden Gate Bridge. Obviously, go here. But I recommend renting a bike and pedaling across it. It’s harder than it looks.

• Alcatraz Island. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the infamous former prison. It’s spooky and has breathtaking views of the bay.

• Fisherman's Wharf. This waterfront area is home to seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Count the sea lions at Pier 39.

• Golden Gate Park. A massive urban park that includes gardens, museums, and recreational areas. Visit the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers.

• Chinatown. This is the oldest Chinatown in North America. The neighborhood is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. Explore the markets and temples, and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.

What to eat:

• Clam chowder

Where to eat it:

• Swan Oyster Depot

• Fisherman’s Wharf

• More ideas here

Unique place to stay:

• Hotel Nikko San Francisco. This luxurious hotel combines Japanese-inspired decor with modern amenities. It is located in the heart of downtown and offers elegant rooms, an indoor pool, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.

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