Long ago when I worked for others I took the options offered that gave me four day work weeks and long weekends or time to add to vacation hours. The long weekends and bike commuting gave me that extra bit of free time for self, family and community demands. Then as kids grew up vacation time could be redirected to longer trips.
Once I started working for myself time meant more than money so I planned more bike tours farther and farther from home. Now retired I should have more free time but so many new demands have arisen that I sometimes long for those days in work harness-- not really!
It is always a difficult balance to maintain between all parts of one's life and to take the time to bike tour. It is well worth the sacrifices needed in the long run.