In IT, some weeks are super busy, but as I've improved things at work (upgrading equipment, fixed old issues, automated some repeat processes, etc), there are other weeks it's "slow" and I feel like I'm just sitting there. It used to be nonstop all the time when I was new, but the were a lot of unresolved problems or things the last guy didn't know how to do. I probably couldn't get away with 3x 8 hour days as stuff will always happen unexpectedly, but still. It would be less of a problem if I could go back to working remote at least partially. Going onsite everyday is also annoying AF.

Reducing your working hours would add so much valuable time to everyone's lives. Of your workload is so great, time to hire additional help. Not your problem.

You recall when covid first happened and so many and remote? Productivity shot up 17%according to several articles. Less "wasted time" with 'water cooler' talk. People could get coffee at home faster, quieter environments to focus in, etc. Insurance rates went down bc far less on the road, oil went down since demand dropped. It was ironically positive. It was great!

But the commercial real estate problem began, and C suites started micro managing because they were told petiole will just slack off and all these made up problems were spread to get people back into the offices.

It's bullshit to keep us working so long every day. If you're still overwhelmed with your workload, your company clearly is understaffed. I've learned, "the only reward for working hard is more work" and if you're currently just managing to get it done, it's seen as no extra help needed. "You got this".. Start letting stuff fall behind or putting it off, because you've got other stuff you prioritize. Call off sick at an inconvenient time so upper management sees the loss when you're out. It'll start to send signals that they in fact need help!