The four-day workweek is a reality in this day and age. A survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) chalks it at 22% of the workforce in 2024. It was 14% in 2022. [1]
However, a question emerges. What, between this work structure and a bigger IT salary with likely more hours, holds much sway with workers in the tech industry?
The Allure of a Bigger IT Salary
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the median annual wage for staff in the computer and information technology (IT) sector is about USD$105,990 while that of all occupations is at USD$49,500. For a lot of tech professionals, a fatter paycheck carries serious weight. Here’s why: [2]
Financial Security
A bigger salary means you can cover life’s necessities. You can pay your student loans faster and with little pressure. You may even save enough to make a down payment for a home of your dreams.
Competitive Edge
Companies in the IT landscape compete fiercely for top performers, and one way they attract them is by offering better pay. But it’s not enough to know that the pay is “better.” You need to know that the pay is right for the role and region you’re in.
An IT salary guide or other such resources can set you up with the industry estimates. Once you know what’s fair and just, you’re free to make demands that reflect the candidate experience and compete with your peers.
But What About the Downsides?
Chasing a bigger IT salary isn’t without its drawbacks:
Workload Pressure
Sometimes, a bigger paycheck comes with more responsibilities, tighter deadlines, or longer hours, which can turn even the most lucrative job into a grind.
Diminishing Returns
After a certain point, making more money doesn’t necessarily make you happier. Once you’ve met your basic needs and achieved a comfortable lifestyle, additional income has less impact on your overall satisfaction.
Risk of Burnout
If you’re solely focused on maximizing your earnings, you might end up overworking yourself at the expense of your hobbies, relationships, etc. You may end up with an impressive bank account balance but a relatively empty life.
Who Would Choose This Path?
Some people thrive under the pressure of a high-paying job. Young professionals eager to build wealth, seasoned experts seeking recognition, or expats leveraging global opportunities might see a bigger salary as their priority.
The 4-Day Workweek and Its Appeal
Monday to Thursday at work, then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off has its appeal. Here’s why so many tech workers are loving the idea:
Work-Life Balance
Having an extra day off gives you time to recharge, a kind of balance that can go a long way. That’s why over 60% of workers in the US and even the UK would go for work-life balance over higher pay. [3]
Mental Health Benefits
Long hours, high expectations, and constant notifications, which are the order of the day in the IT industry, can leave you fried. A four-day workweek can give you more downtime, which may translate to reduced stress levels and improved overall well-being.
Increased Productivity
Working fewer days doesn’t mean doing less work. Quite the opposite. When people know they’ll have less time to complete tasks, they tend to buckle down and stay focused.
What About the Downsides?
A four-day workweek comes with its set of challenges:
Longer Days
To fit everything into four days, you might end up working longer hours each day. Some people feel alive under this setup but others find it exhausting.
Client Expectations
Clients often expect availability during standard business hours. If part of your team’s working Monday through Thursday while others stick to traditional schedules, you may face staffing challenges, which can create a communication gap.
Who Would Love This Setup?
Certain groups stand to benefit most from a four-day workweek. Parents, for example, love having more family time. Freelancers also live for flexibility. This approach may work for them.
What Do Tech Workers Really Want?
What do tech workers really want? There’s no single answer that’s inherently true. Everyone’s got their own priorities.
Young Professionals
If you’re just starting out in tech, chances are you’re thinking about building a solid foundation. For many early-career workers, salary growth takes center stage.
Experienced Professionals
If you’re mid-career, you’ve likely established some financial stability. Now, other factors come into play, like family responsibilities, personal interests, or simply wanting to enjoy life more. For these folks, work-life balance often becomes non-negotiable.
Freelancers/Contractors
Freelancing walks in toe with unpredictable workloads, irregular paychecks, and no safety net from an employer. Freelancers will ask for top-tier rates to offset those risks. Flexibility is important for them too as they can choose when and how much they work.
Finding the Right Balance
So, bigger IT salaries or a four-day workweek? It depends. Some will focus on the cash; for others, the calm is everything. Many prefer a mix of both too. Figure out what’s in line with your goals, values, and lifestyle, then decide.
Sources
- “The rise of the 4-day workweek”, Source: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/01/rise-of-4-day-workweek
- “Computer and Information Technology Occupations”, Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/
- “What does work-life balance mean in a changed work world?”, Source: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230227-what-does-work-life-balance-mean-in-a-changed-work-world
