That was my qualm with this piece, too, although I realize we're in the minority re: putting a premium on time spent with the self. There wouldn't be much difference for me if my additional "free time" coincided with others being off work as well. Actually, it may slightly reduce my satisfaction with it, because then everyone would be flooding all the typical "off time" spots (gym, market, laundry, etc.), which I try to avoid at (almost) all costs.