How Many Hours Do You Work?

I’m enjoying this time right now because as we approach Easter the responsibilities on my plate have subsided…for the moment.  In a few weeks things will pick up again and I’m actually anticipating a busy season before Summer is in full swing, which I’m okay with because I’m maintaining my hours.
A few weeks back Michael Hyatt (CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing) wrote about the consequences of a life out of balance.  In the article he shared his thoughts on what happens when we work too many hours.  You want to know what his limit was?  It was:
55 Hours A Week
When I first heard that number I thought to myself, that’s a high number, but then I began to count up the amount that I work in a week.  46 at the church doing youth ministry and then 4 hours for Marathon Youth Ministry blogging, speaking and writing for a total of 50 hours.  Am I happy with that?  Sure because I’m:

• Constantly Communicating with my wife about when work will hit a busy season and giving her total power to say, “Work is taking over.” when she feels it’s taking over.
• Maintaining Me Time which is non negotiable time that’s meant for bettering and maintaining my physical, spiritual and mental health.  This time is all about my time with God.
• Keeping Record of what I do and when I should do it…basically keep a calendar. I’ll be honest I need to  review it more regularly, but it’s important to write down your weekly tasks and responsibilities because it bring clarity to the path you travel each week.

So I say for me 50 hours a week isn’t so bad as long as I don’t compromise family and my relationship with God.  Now I know I’m going to go over 50 during certain busy seasons (i.e. Christmas) but as long as I’m not maintaining more than 50 on a regular basis I should be fine.  But, I understand my responsibilities are going to be a little different from yours; therefore, how much you have to work could change.  But, regardless of what your number is it’s important to stay true to that number and evaluate how you are maintaining that commitment on a regular basis.

How many hours a week should a youth minister work?


How do you maintain a healthy work week?


How many hours a week do you work?