Does Elon Musk Really Work 100 Hours a Week?
Elon Musk is a high achiever, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and also one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. Many have looked to him as a model of overworking— but does he actually work 100 hours a week? While this number may be exaggerated, Elon Musk definitely goes beyond the working hours that most people find reasonable.
Musk’s own team of professionals have admitted that he works “crazy hours”. He has mentioned that it is his personal mission to save the planet, and this implies that he has to apply himself diligently in order to make that a reality. Consequently, Musk often puts in long hours, including working on the weekends.
Research from Gallup reveals that there is a correlation between longer hours and productivity. Working too much, however, can also lead to burnout and fatigue, which can harm the quality of work performed. While it is admirable to strive for excellence, many experts recommend a maximum of 60 hours a week to stay productive and healthy.
Furthermore, a 2018 piece in The Guardian claims that Musk works up to 120 hours a week at various companies. The report also mentions that it’s hard for him to sit still and that he loves being on the move. It should be noted, of course, that he has a team working day and night to ensure that his empires remain afloat.
Musk’s commitment is also truly admirable. He takes very few holidays, instead dedicating his time to look after his many ventures. He claims that he can regenerate by taking brief naps in his car on his way to work, or even while in an elevator. However, the evidence shows that this is highly unlikely – sleep deprivation simply isn’t sustainable, and would inevitably impair his performance.
Musk’s long working hours have been controversial. He himself has admitted that he often works up to 80-90 hour-weeks regularly, but also recommends that other people don’t work this hard. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual as to how many hours they spend working; however, it’s worth considering the impact of working too much on one’s physical and mental health.
Productivity Benefits of Working Longer Hours
Besides expending more energy, working more than conventional working hours has measurable productivity benefits. Studies show that overworking allows for creative solutions to difficult problems, promotes goal accomplishment, and leads to long-term career satisfaction. Working additional hours can help the individual advance their careers, build work relationships, and perform better in the workplace.
In addition, those who work long hours may find themselves armed with energy, focus, and confidence to achieve success. Those with high work ethic often feel proud of their accomplishments, as well as competitively driven to perform over colleagues already working in the same environment.
On the other hand, those who don’t prioritize a high number of hours in their workplace can be left feeling lethargic, slow, and incapable, especially in comparison to their working counterparts. Additionally, those who pursue a nine-to-five lifestyle can be subjected to criticism, particularly in the current market, where average work times count for almost nothing.
In any case, individuals should be aware of their limits. Working extended hours will elevate professional success, however, burning out is a real risk. Practising self-care can help people to find a balance between work, rest, and leisure activities.
Elon Musk’s Risk-Taking Attitude
Elon Musk is a risk-taker with a reputation for pushing himself and his teams to the limit; it’s part of his persona. He must want to prove that he’s leading by example, especially with his revolutionary vision for Tesla and SpaceX. Therefore, hard work appears to be a standard for Elon Musk.
It should also be noted that Musk works in an industry where the line between work and play is often blurred. When talking about founding Tesla, he said “it’s kind of game-like; you’re playing the game to figure out the right thing to do”. This suggests that in some ways, Elon Musk is actually having fun, making it much easier for him to dedicate so much of his time to his pursuits. It doesn’t take away from the lengths he goes to deliver results, but it does make it easier to understand why he is so committed to his work.
Ultimately, Elon Musk’s hard work appears to be paying off. Both Tesla and SpaceX have carved a niche for themselves in their respective markets, with the former worth over $600bn and the latter sending astronauts into orbit.
The Unique Position Elon Musk Is In
Being one of the wealthiest men in the world, Elon Musk is in an incredibly unique position, as he can do whatever he likes with his time. Many times throughout his career, Musk has completed tasks in incredibly short periods of time, such as when he built a mini-submarine to save the Thai football team trapped in a cave. This shows that Musk is willing to go the extra mile to think outside of the box to solve challenges.
Another example of this was when Musk took 10 weeks to completely redesign Tesla’s production line. He often does this as he believes that outsiders don’t understand the current situation and need to be in the thick of it to evaluate it properly. This not only helps him stay up to date but also gives him the ability to make changes quickly.
Furthermore, Musk often places his goals and ambitions above everything else; he prioritizes the success of his companies over his own personal well-being, dedicating most of his waking hours to his work.
Not everyone can emulate Musk to such an extent, but his relentless work ethic is definitely something to be respected.
The Impact of Elon Musk on Society
It’s worth noting that Elon Musk’s extraordinary success is inspiring and aspirational. His story of moving from South Africa to the US without a dollar to his name and having the sheer tenacity to make his dreams come true carries immense cultural weight.
Elon Musk is the embodiment of the American dream. His success speaks to a larger cultural narrative of the power of hard work and determination. By personal example, and with his many projects, Musk has demonstrated the power of exponential and innovative thinking. He’s proven that harnessing the power of technology is possible and that it can produce tangible change.
There is no question that Elon Musk has increased the quality of life for many, with his numerous inventions, political and environmental activism, and charitable initiatives. His commitment and determination to make the world a better place and to create a more sustainable future have been incredibly influential.
The Reality of Working Long Hours
It’s clear that Elon Musk works hard, but what is the reality of working long hours? It’s important to remember that, for those who don’t have the resources and wealth of Musk, such a dedication to work is extremely damaging and taxing.
Long hours in the workplace can lead to stress and exhaustion, increased likelihood of illness and poor psychological wellbeing, as well as reduced productivity. Those who put in too much beyond the conventional working hours often do so out of fear or even insecurity. It’s important to recognize that taking time off is a necessary part of job performance.
Additionally, it’s important to understand the difference between working harder and smarter. Long hours may be effective for getting the job done, however, those who are more effective actually get more done in less time. Setting realistic expectations, making lists, and utilizing technology are just a handful of productivity strategies which can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Working long hours is often seen as a positive attribute. However, it’s important to understand the limits and to be aware of the damage that can be done on both the body and the mind. Elon Musk is an example of the power of hard work and innovation, but it’s worth considering the balance between work, rest, and leisure to stay healthy and productive in the long run.
