Being part of the ‘Living in Australia’* research study I recently received their information and insight brochure. According to the their research study ‘Working long hours – it’s good for your marriage’ and you now have reason to work more! The research implies that being obsessed in your job is no longer the sin it used to be.
Reading on I’m getting a bit confused:
‘Many people believe that working long hours is damaging for personal relationship. However, recent studies have shown that the likelihood of divorce falls with the number of hours worked by the husband.
Research using HILDA data from 2001 to 2006 has found that men in jobs with long hours are more likely to divorce that anyone else. This research has also found that the optimal work arrangement is where a male works a 41 – 49 hour week. Beyond this the risk of seperations rises, but is still lower than for couples where the male works a 35 – 40 hour week. The likelihood of separation declines with the duration of the marriage and with higher household income.‘
Given this article, I’m wondering how the research data is being evaluated. Given that I’ve answered their question for the last 6 years I’m familiar with the structure of their research and the thoroughness of their questions and still, it leaves me in amazement at how they come to this conclusions.
What do you think? How do ‘working hours’ affect your relationship?
(* The Living in Australia study began in 2001. In this study, we collect and analyse information from thousands of different families and individuals across Australia. We ask questions about life in Australia including your employment, family relationships, education and wellbeing.)