Are you more productive at your job with set hours or flexible hours?

I have worked in several different environments, (now retired).

I first worked on large software projects at IBM;

where the time of day was irrelevant.

We'd go in at 5pm to get a main-frame computer.

Break at mid-night, for a bite to eat.

Work until 8am, when the day-people came in.

Then go home to sleep during the day.

This went on for 16 weeks, we were all exhausted.

We became less & less effective, making more errors.

Our personal lives became a neglected mess.

Then another project manager wanted us,

"because we were such a hard-working team".

I left the company because I was burned out.

I later worked for a major Bank, 9 to 5 desk job.

Spent most of my time in endless boring meetings.

Too much time dealing with company politics.

Little was accomplished during normal hours.

Occasionally able to get away on 1 man projects.

Finally, Bank gave 'early retirement' - I went free-lance.

Able to pick & choose projects, not involved in politics.

Lots of variety, regular hours, much better pay.

My individual technical skills were more appreciated.

Best situation was working from home doing software testing.

Communicated with clients & other employees, via Internet, phone & fax.

I was able to work in burst-mode without interruptions:

10 to 12, lunch, 2 to 5, supper, 7 to 10, evening/bed.

I put in a concentrated 8 hour day, relaxed & refreshed.

Once a week, I drove into city to meet with the client.

You know I would love to say that I am better at work when the hours are more flexible because I want to be able to do what I want to do. I believe most people lie to themselves and believe that its better that way for self purposes. The truth is I believe that I am more then likely more productive with set hours as are most people, because it gives us a set of guideline to follow to accomplish our goals at work.

Definitely flexible hours. Gives me more chance to reflect and think thru hard issues. Plus it helps alleviate outside stresses that affect my performance (family, errands, chores, traffic congestion, etc).

I would have to say this may be true with mundane work. For jobs that need creativity, the reverse is true.

yes i am