Senior KPMG Architect Chooses Reduced Hours to Preserve Benefits and Well-Being

Tina Bonanno, an information architect at KPMG in Northern New Jersey, faced a severe health crisis in 2022-2023 that required knee surgery and a prolonged disability period. The experience left her with chronic brain fog, making the typical 50-60-hour weeks and juggling up to ten projects untenable. A financial review showed she could survive on reduced earnings until age 87, but she feared outliving her savings.

By proposing a reduced-hour schedule—about 20 hours weekly for half her salary and half of her paid time off—she secured continued health benefits and a stable income. KPMG accepted the plan in January 2025, aligning with her move to a new home where she could focus on gardening and DIY woodworking. The flexible hours have also allowed her to start writing a book and enjoy a calmer lifestyle.