When I was in Biglaw, I probably spent 60-70 hours/week at work or working, but billed more like 50 hours/week. There's a lot of down time in law when you're waiting for people to send you documents, etc. But if I was in the office and couldn't leave because I was waiting for something, I still consider that work (as opposed to free time). I didn't bill that down time unless it was clearly after normal working hours (say 9 pm or later) and I was waiting for something from the client.

Ok, people have devolved into arguing whether working 60-80 hours is a "good" or "balanced" lifestyle. But the OP stated that most people claiming such hours are liars. That's a different conversation.

Obviously, there is a big range between 60-80 hours. I do think that there are very few people who work 80 hours a week as the norm. But, I know plenty of people who work 60 hours on a standard week. I used to do it myself.

In a previous position, I've worked 60 hour weeks for months on end. It's not my preference, but it's definitely the norm when you're really busy in a high-stress client facing role. (High-paying clients can be highly demanding. Go figure.)

I've only worked 80 hour weeks a handful of times, usually when I am in trial or leading up to it. In trial, I am typically working something like 15+ hour days. 7-9 prepping for the day, 9-5 in trial, and then until 11 or 12 preparing for the next day. It's a lot of work, there's just no way around it -- ask anyone who has been a trial lawyer. During a multi-week trail, you sure as shit aren't taking off Saturday and Sunday -- you might not work 15 hour days on the weekend, but say another 8 hours each day. That's a 90 hour week. It's grueling, but you do it. But, again, that's exceptional. Attorneys aren't in trials back to back to back on end.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this thread a reflection on lazy millennials?? They can't comprehend something they are unwilling to do, even if it makes a difference between having your own place and a paid off things??

No, it's more a thread about people who have incredibly unbalanced lives.

Then don't complain that you don't have enough $$$. Balance is for people with a financial cushion.

Um... nobody was complaining about lack of $$$ on this thread. In most positions, more work =\= more money.

Also, making more money doesn't buy happiness. http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2019628,00.html

I'd rather be in a place where my basic needs are met and I have flexibility and free time than a big salary and no time (and I've been in both situations). Our HHI is above the national median, and while it's not a huge $$$, we are happy and balanced.

Great. Not sure how this relates to other people who are willing to have their lives be a bit unbalanced to make more money, or who have no choice but to work long hours.

Most professionals do have a choice.