The number of hours entrepreneurs work varies with the size of the company, the number of employees, and the nature of the business whereas sole proprietors tend to put in more work. Online businesses also tend to require more time input at the beginning with some late night and early morning schedules. Those who delegate and outsource may not need to work more hours. If your productivity is high you can achieve more in fewer hours of work.
We asked entrepreneurs and business owners how much they work and here are the responses:
#1- Around 90-110 hours
The number of hours I work per week varies depending on the stage of our business and the demands at hand. Some weeks might require more time & energy to ensure smooth operations or to meet critical deadlines, while other weeks might allow for more flexibility and time off, which is rare. On average, I find myself working around 90 to 110 hours per week to maintain and grow my company. Nonetheless, it is vital to strike a healthy work-life balance, fostering personal well-being & preventing burnout.
Thanks to Sudeepthi Garlapati, Naarg Data Media Services!
#2- 60 hours per week
As an entrepreneur and business owner, I typically work around 60 hours per week. However, it's not just about the number of hours put in, but also the quality and efficiency of those hours. I prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, delegate when necessary, and make sure to take breaks and recharge to avoid burnout. The key is finding a balance between working hard and taking care of oneself to maintain productivity and success in the long run.
Thanks to Andrew Pickett, Andrew Pickett Law!
#3- Over 40 hours a week
Running a catering company, we frequently work more than a standard 40-hour workweek. If you’re looking for a standard 9-5, catering is probably not the right line of work for you. However, we find that because we enjoy our work, the hours that we work are more fulfilling than a shorter workweek could be. We highly recommend working for yourself and doing something you love.
Thanks to Brandon Blackwell and Jen Sherrod, Elysian Events Catering!
#4- 10-hour work weeks
Back when we rebranded the Pur Traffic company to Pearl Lemon, we started off working 80-hour weeks, trying to build short-term cash flow and long-term brand growth. But now, thanks to my network of remote teams all over the world handling different aspects of the company, it has allowed me to maintain a 10-hour workweek. In fact, my communication with clients is typically voicenotes and video calls which helps send messages quickly and saves time.
Thanks to Deepak Shukla, Pearl Lemon Catering!
#5- 50-60 hours a week
As the leader of Kate Backdrop, the transformation in the working environment has seen my work hours shift from a rigid 40-hour week to a more fluid schedule, often totaling 60 hours. Nowadays, I consciously prioritize equilibrium, dedicating approximately 50 hours weekly to managing and growing the business. My commitment is to operate efficiently, allocating time methodically across various responsibilities, and fully leveraging the strengths of our team.
Thanks to David Zhang, Katebackdrop!
#6- 60-70 hours a week
Our workload changes based on project demands and business needs. On average, we work 60 to 70 hours every week to maintain the proper functioning of my firm. This involves managing projects, communicating with clients, strategizing, and managing teams. While the hours might be long, we enjoy what we do and are dedicated to providing excellent outcomes for our customers.
Thanks to Alan Houghton and Gordon Chalk, Next Level underfloor Heating and Screed Solutions!
#7- Cannot quantify in terms of hours
As CEO of Diabetic Insurance Solutions, I am unequivocally committed to our overarching mission. Quantifying my dedication in terms of weekly hours appears insufficient; my investment is beyond time constraints. I devote the necessary time to ensuring that patients with diabetes have proper access to life insurance. This devotion is more than a professional duty; it is a personal passion that extends beyond traditional workweek bounds.
Thanks to Hassan Sanders, Diabetic Insurance Solutions!
#8- 40 hours a week
To be perfectly honest, I haven't the slightest idea! I'm pretty sure that many other entrepreneurs who mainly work remotely will relate to this: I just don't count my hours. Even though I tend to go easy on myself by not forcing myself to start and finish at designated times, it often works out to sessions much longer than 8 hours a day. Or it extends to my weekends. Or something crops up in my mind at 2 am that interrupts my sleep, so I might as well get up and do it. One thing is certain: I certainly work more than 40 hours a week.
Thanks to Silvia Borges, Regional Rural Finances!