Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt advice to young engineers: Work hard but…

Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, recently shared guidance for young engineers and junior staff on balancing hard work with reflection. Speaking on The Gstaad Guy Podcast, hosted by Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Schmidt emphasised working intensely during the week, but disconnecting from screens on weekends to focus on self-reflection.

“You work really hard during the week, as hard as you can—you know, 12-hour, 14-hour days, whatever—and on the weekends, when you’re at home or with your family, carve out a few hours to think,” Schmidt said. He suggested turning off phones, avoiding social media, and instead using a pen and paper to review accomplishments from the past week and plan the next.

Schmidt highlighted that in an era where “attention has become a form of currency,” finding moments to disconnect is essential. Setting aside time for thoughtful reflection allows individuals to notice overlooked issues before they escalate and maintain focus on priorities. He explained that writing down observations and plans fosters accountability, helping employees identify tasks left undone or opportunities missed, and guiding their focus for the upcoming week.

The former CEO also discussed the relationship between working hours and productivity. Schmidt discovered that a 63-hour workweek was optimal for him, in contrast to the 80-hour weeks he worked earlier in his career. This experience showed that simply spending more time at work does not necessarily yield better results.

Importantly, Schmidt stressed that this reflective practice isn’t limited to executives. Engineers, junior staff, and anyone navigating a busy professional environment can benefit from setting aside time to think deeply and plan intentionally. In today’s world of constant digital distractions, these habits help maintain clarity, improve decision-making, and enhance overall effectiveness.

As Schmidt put it, “Writing things down equals clarity,” and clarity, he noted, is the key to being not just busy, but genuinely effective.