Elon Musk's Work Hours: Myth or Reality?

Elon Musk, the visionary behind multiple multi-billion dollar companies, has come under scrutiny regarding his work hours. Many have speculated whether he truly works 80 to 100 hours per week, or if this is just a myth often used to inspire dedication from his employees and himself. Let's delve into the reality behind his work ethic.

Elon Musk's Work Ethic

Elon Musk has famously claimed to work around 80 to 100 hours a week, particularly during critical phases of development or production for his companies like Tesla and SpaceX. This level of commitment has been a hallmark of his work ethic. However, it is important to note that this can vary based on his schedule and the demands of his various companies.

The Daily Routine

For individuals who enjoy spending all their waking hours at work, from work lunches to late-night email reviews, working 100 hours a week is not entirely unusual. Musk, being the CEO of four multi-billion dollar businesses, definitely counts among these. It is fair to assume that he puts in some overtime, if not consistent 168-hour weeks.

A significant quote comes from a 2010 interview, where Musk suggested that 100 hours is an example figure for entrepreneurs aiming to build a successful startup. Prior to 2010, Musk was known to work near 100 hours a week, often multitasking through emails and reports on his phone, managing projects, and conducting negotiations and promotional presentations.

Work Hours Breakdown

The claim of 100-hour workweeks was often used to convey the immense demands on his time due to SpaceX and Tesla. By dividing 168 hours by two companies, it translates to around 84 hours a week for each company, aligning with the intense workload required by these enterprises. The notion that someone works 80 hours per week is not unusual, but doing so at two companies sets Musk apart.

Recent Trends and Changes

Since 2010, there have been indications that Musk is taking more time off and delegating more responsibilities. For example, in a European TV interview, he discussed increasing the management bench strength at Tesla, suggesting a shift towards more distributed leadership. This change can be attributed to increased stability and support from other high-level executives.

Even as a symbol of hard work and dedication, Musk has taken time off for personal reasons. In 2015, he took a day off for his birthday, a rare occurrence given the unpredictability of rocket launches and the potential for failures like the SpaceX rocket explosion that day. He has also taken a vacation with his daughter, Tallulah, and takes time to be with his sons, demonstrating that family is a priority. Additionally, he spends time organizing and participating in the school founded for his children, signifying significant commitments outside work.

Furthermore, Musk has traditionally attended Burning Man, an event known for its unique and adventurous spirit, indicating a different side to his personality beyond work.

Conclusion

No, it is not accurate to claim that Elon Musk worked 100 hours a week every week of the year. It is physically impossible to do so. However, between 2002 and 2010, he frequently worked close to these marathon hours, primarily to keep SpaceX and Tesla afloat and thriving. Since then, with increased stability and support from his team, he has managed to reduce his personal toll of working hours.

Elon Musk's work ethic remains resilient, even as he balances his dedication to work with personal commitments. This balance, while rare, serves as an inspiration for others striving for success in their own ventures.