Flight attendants typically do not work a standard 40-hour workweek, as their compensation and schedules are calculated in a manner that is significantly different from a traditional office-based, 9-to-5 job. Their "working hours" are generally counted based on flight time—the time spent actively in the air—rather than the total hours spent on duty. However, when accounting for the time spent performing pre-flight duties, post-flight paperwork, boarding, deplaning, and layovers, the actual time a flight attendant spends on the job is often much higher than their recorded flight hours. Because their schedules are dictated by flight routes, seniority, and airline-specific policies, they often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. While some months might feel incredibly busy with back-to-back flights, other periods may include more downtime or rest. Consequently, while they may spend a substantial amount of time "on the clock," it rarely conforms to the fixed, 40-hour-per-week paradigm that is standard in most other industries.