Benefits of a 4-Day Workweek: A 4-day workweek can significantly improve work-life balance while allowing you to recharge and focus on personal interests.
Trade Jobs Offer Flexibility: While the US doesn’t have an official 4-day workweek policy, many trade jobs provide this flexibility.
Pursue Your Goals with the Right Skills: Gaining the right skills for your desired trade is essential to securing a flexible job. Look for companies that prioritize work-life balance and align with your goals for a fulfilling career.
Flexible hours and project-based work make some trade jobs perfect for a 4-day work week. Get the right skills to enjoy a comfortable and satisfying work schedule.
Are you craving a better work-life balance because your current job isn’t giving you that peace?
You’re not alone.
Workers all over are prioritizing a healthy work-life balance over pay and benefits. According to a 2023 Zippia survey, 57% of job-seekers say a poor work-life balance is a dealbreaker when they’re considering a new job.
While remote and hybrid work has offered some relief — no long commutes, flexible hours — it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
There are still issues:
The expectation of constant connectivity.
Absence of scheduled breaks like you’d have in a physical office.
Lack of social interaction leads to feelings of isolation.
That’s why trade jobs offer a healthy alternative for people looking for stress-free employment.
Working a trade typically means being out in the field, interacting with others, and doing hands-on work.
Seeing the tangible results of your efforts can be satisfying, and you're more likely to have clear-cut boundaries when the day is over. No email notifications or Zoom invites at 8 PM!
That said, not all trade jobs are equal. Some offer flexible hours, while others demand long hours in tough conditions.
In this article, we look at some trade jobs that are adapting to a 4-day workweek and offering the best of both worlds — rewarding work with more time to recharge.
Interested in switching to a different trade?
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Want to get started as a technician?
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Benefits of a Shorter Workweek
A 4-day workweek is more than just an extra day off. It's a concept that's gaining momentum because of its numerous benefits.
Let’s understand why a shorter work week can be a game-changer for both employees and employers.
1. Work-Life Balance
We all know how tough it can be to juggle work, family, personal life, and everything in between. A 4-day workweek can help ease that burden. It gives you an extra day every week to spend with your kids, take care of your pets, run errands, or have some time for self-care.
It enables you to get more done without having to rush everything. After a long weekend, employees are more likely to be refreshed, motivated, and ready to tackle the to-do list.
More importantly, improved work-life balance can have a huge impact on an employee’s ability to be attentive and focused at work, leading to increased productivity.
According to the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024, improving life-work balance can help employers increase retention rates and attract elite candidates from more diverse global talent pools. That means a lot to employers struggling to find and retain top-tier talent.
2. Better Motivation
Ever notice how much more motivated you are after a break? That’s one of the biggest upsides of a 4-day workweek.
Knowing you only have to power through four days instead of five can make workdays feel less overwhelming. You're more likely to put in 100% because you know the weekend isn't too far off.
Spain's third-largest city Valencia tested a four-day week in 2023 by scheduling local holidays on consecutive Mondays in April and May. Results showed people in the program had higher self-perceived health status and reduced levels of stress, were less tired, and felt happier and more personally satisfied.
3. Lesser Fatigue
Work fatigue is real, especially in labor-intensive jobs. Working long hours over a five or six-day week can leave you feeling drained, both physically and mentally.
A shorter week can reduce that feeling of burnout.
With an extra day to rest and recharge, employees are less likely to feel exhausted by midweek. This matters even more in high-energy or physically demanding jobs.
Jobs that require hands-on work, whether it’s plumbing, electrical work, or construction, can take a toll on the body. Cutting back the workweek gives your body a chance to recuperate before you dive back in.
4. Enhanced Workplace Safety
When you're fatigued, you're not just tired — you're more prone to accidents. This is particularly dangerous in trade jobs, where safety is key.
Whether you're working as a wind turbine technician, a solar panel installer, or an electrician, safety hazards are part of the job. According to one report, 13% of workplace injuries can be attributed to fatigue. Imagine cutting those numbers down just by giving workers an extra day off each week.
Fewer work days can mean fewer accidents in physically demanding environments, as workers are likely to be more alert and energized when they’re on the job. Shortening the week, wherever it’s logistically possible, can be a game-changer for workplace safety.
5. Time for Personal Development
An extra day off lets you focus on personal growth, like upskilling or education.
Continuous learning is essential for working professionals, especially in fast-evolving industries. Squeezing in time for classes, certifications, or just reading up on the latest trends, however, can feel impossible with a jam-packed five-day week.
A 4-day workweek opens up opportunities for professional development without sacrificing work-life balance. Whether you want to pick up new skills or advance your education, having an extra day can make it easier to achieve. And when employees improve their skill sets, it’s a win-win for both the individual and the company.
Maintenance technicians are in charge of the smooth functioning of equipment and machinery across various industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to aviation and automotive.
They are tasked with conducting routine and predictive maintenance, diagnosing issues, and executing repairs on critical machinery. More broadly, they are responsible for preventing equipment breakdown and minimizing downtime.
This job calls for a mix of diverse hard and soft skills, including problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, mechanical skills, physical endurance, clear communication, and the ability to work under pressure.
Although four-day work weeks are not standard for maintenance technicians, many companies across the US offer flexible working schedules, some with alternating three and four-day work weeks.
A high school diploma and some technical training are all it takes to embark on this promising career. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are widely available, as are opportunities for relevant certifications.
Unmudl courses can help you fast-track your way to employment as a maintenance technician in just 10 weeks.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They work on projects that involve wiring buildings, fixing electrical malfunctions, and upgrading systems to meet safety regulations.
This work requires precision, hands-on problem-solving, and a keen understanding of safety protocols.
An electrical draftsman is responsible for creating the detailed plans that electricians follow.
An electrical engineer's role is more focused on designing and developing electrical systems or components for various projects.
While electricians typically need a high school diploma and technical certification, electrical engineers require at least a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Many companies in the US are starting to offer flexible scheduling, allowing electricians and engineers to condense their hours into four-day work weeks.
Production workers are the backbone of manufacturing industries. They operate machinery, assemble products, and monitor equipment in factories. Their work requires keen attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments.
Car mechanics diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles. Their work is hands-on and labor-intensive, ranging from fixing engines to changing tires.
Most production workers and car mechanics are paid hourly, making it easier for companies to offer flexible schedules, including four-day work weeks. While formal education may not be required for these roles, technical training or certifications can increase earning potential.
Personal trainers work with clients to develop tailored fitness plans based on their health goals, medical history, and fitness levels.
They provide exercise guidance, nutritional advice, and the motivation needed to help clients reach their goals. Personal trainers can work in gyms and wellness centers or offer personal sessions at client homes.
Most personal trainers obtain certifications from accredited organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). This is a role that lends itself perfectly to a flexible schedule, with many trainers opting for four-day workweeks or adjusting their hours based on client demand. Freelance trainers especially enjoy the autonomy to set their schedules.
5. Life Coaches
Median Annual Wage:$70,240 (varies based on experience, location, and specialization).
Life coaches help individuals set and achieve personal and professional goals by providing specialized guidance and support. They offer advice on various aspects of life, including career transitions, relationships, and personal growth. Most life coaches work independently, which gives them significant flexibility in their schedules.
While there are no strict educational requirements for life coaches, many choose to get certified through coaching programs accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF).
As with personal trainers, life coaches have the flexibility to work on a four-day schedule, which makes it easier for them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Median Annual Pay:$58,910 (varies by project, experience, and company).
Graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas and messages through images, typography, and layouts. Whether designing a company’s logo, crafting the look of a website, or creating marketing materials, their work is central to many industries.
While some graphic designers work full-time for companies, many prefer to freelance and take control of their schedules. This flexibility means many graphic designers can easily structure their workloads to fit into a four-day workweek.
A formal degree in graphic design or a related field is often preferred for this role, but many successful designers are either self-taught or have completed certification programs.
Web developers and digital designers build and design websites and are responsible for ensuring they look great and function smoothly. These professionals create layouts, handle coding, and work on user experience to make websites easy to navigate.
Many of them specialize in different areas, such as front-end (what users see) or back-end (behind-the-scenes code) development.
A college degree is helpful, but many get into this field with certifications from online courses or boot camps. Courses in digital media design and development are also offered by platforms like Unmudl.
What makes these roles even better is their flexibility. Many web developers and digital designers work freelance or take on project-based work to give themselves the flexibility to set their own schedules.
That makes it easy for web developers and digital designers to adopt a 4-day work week and balance their workload without the strict 9-to-5 routine.
Financial data analysts interpret financial information to help businesses make informed decisions. They work with financial reports, market trends, and investment data to provide insights that improve profitability.
Data analysts are in high demand across industries, from banking to tech, and many companies are embracing flexible schedules for these professionals.
A Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field is a basic qualification for this role. Many financial analysts pursue additional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation to advance their careers.
Junior-level roles often involve working with Excel sheets to collect, collate, and manage data. These positions typically offer remote work or flexible hours, making a 4-day work week feasible.
Medical imaging specialists such as radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures like X-rays and MRIs. Their role is critical in diagnosing and treating patients. These specialists work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, or research labs.
The education required for medical imaging specialists usually includes an associate’s degree and certification from an accredited program.
With the growing demand for medical imaging and the rise of virtual hiring platforms offering flexible models, many healthcare facilities are exploring four-day workweek options to keep their staff well-rested and productive.
10. Driving Instructors
Medial Annual Pay: $31,000 to $75,000 (based on experience, overtime and bonuses).
Driving instructors teach new drivers the skills they need to operate a vehicle safely and confidently. They provide hands-on training, explain traffic laws, and help people develop essential driving skills.
Driving instructors must have a clean driving record and a valid driver's license. They must also complete a state-approved driving instructor training program.
Many instructors can set their own schedules, making it easier to adopt a 4-day work week. This allows them to have longer weekends, freeing up time to pursue other interests, hobbies, or further education.
With the ability to balance work and personal life, driving instructors can enjoy a fulfilling career while also nurturing their passions outside of work.
The role of a dental hygienist involves providing preventative oral care, cleaning teeth, and educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices. They work closely with dentists to ensure patients receive the best care possible, performing tasks such as taking X-rays, applying sealants, and conducting oral health assessments.
They can work in various settings, including dental offices, clinics, hospitals, and public health organizations.
To become a dental hygienist, you typically need an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program. Many states also require passing a licensing exam. Some professionals may choose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree for additional opportunities and advancement in the field.
Many dental practices offer part-time positions or flexible scheduling that allow hygienists to choose shifts that fit their lifestyles. This flexibility makes it easier for dental hygienists to adopt a 4-day work week.
Pursuing a 4-Day Work Week in Trade Jobs
There’s no guaranteed path to a 4-day work week, but you can set your own schedule depending on the field and the type of work you choose. Working with a company that understands your needs in terms of a healthy work-life balance can also make a lot of difference.
As we’ve discussed above, many trade jobs come with flexible hours and a better work-life balance.
Whether you need to re-skill or upskill for these jobs, Unmudl is there to help.
Our unique Skills-to-Jobs ® platform helps you qualify for better jobs.
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