Yes, it's completely insane. Also a few hours after writing this I heard my friend's older brother, dropped dead of a heart attack at 41 years old last week. This has me seriously considering requesting a four day work week plus a 20 percent pay cut

Wow sorry to hear that.

I recently reduced my working hours (so I now have the freedom to work 3-4 days if I like or more if desired/needed) and I would say if you can make it work it’s 100% worth it.

It’s worth bearing in mind it doesn’t have to be permanent. You can suggest a “trial” to your employer to see if it works for both parties.

From my own experience I think it’s more likely that an employer will agree to this request than not.

Good luck if you decide to go for it.

Thanks. It seems that everyone one who's tried it says it's totally worth it. My concern is saving enough for retirement. But that guy dying of natural causes at 41 really hit home that I may not get a retirement!!