As an average, 50 hours per week is way too much-- if you actually work (and don't fill lazy afternoon hours with errands or self-directed learning). The average person of working age can do a stable 60; that means you're imposing psychological monoculture over 83.3% of your available cognitively-intense hours. That burns people out.
Spikes to 50-60 happen and, if you're in a position of ownership, you better be prepared to throw down when they do. But no company should ever set the baseline at 50 hours per week. That's counterproductive and it leads to burnout and catastrophe when spikes occur.
I actually believe in planning based on a 3-hour work day. A 3-hour block of uninterrupted time to focus on work is an expectation and also an entitlement. The other 5? Spend those catching up, learning about other projects, and building skills.
Spikes to 50-60 happen and, if you're in a position of ownership, you better be prepared to throw down when they do. But no company should ever set the baseline at 50 hours per week. That's counterproductive and it leads to burnout and catastrophe when spikes occur.
I actually believe in planning based on a 3-hour work day. A 3-hour block of uninterrupted time to focus on work is an expectation and also an entitlement. The other 5? Spend those catching up, learning about other projects, and building skills.