SIMON Cowell has revealed he only works four days a week so he remains fresh for both his work and family life.
The America’s Got Talent judge has adopted a new mantra of downing tools on Friday no matter what work matters are pressing.
The 63-year-old says he is proud to have overhauled his hectic lifestyle of working almost 20 hours a day running shows such as the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent – and sticks to four strict rules to maintain his work-life balance.
In an exclusive interview ahead of the filming of his new show America’s Got Talent Fantasy League, Cowell told how he prefers spending his new found spare time with with 10-year-old son Eric.
“Actually, the first thing (I do) is take off Fridays. Don’t work on Fridays, because you don’t have to,” he told The Sun.
“Eat dinner at five o ‘clock. Don’t take calls after 5.30. Don’t read emails after 5.30. Watch a happy movie. And stay outside.”
He added: “I’m not kidding about the Fridays.
“I don’t think anyone should be working five days a week. It’s just pointless.”
Once a self-confessed workaholic, Cowell feels being a parent has been the key to switch more leisure time.
“You’ve got to be absolutely focused, because they know when you’re faking it, and it’s kind of like, ‘Okay, what do you want to do today?’ ‘I want to drive 25 miles to buy a Pokemon card’,” he said.
“I’m like, ‘Brilliant! We’ll do it.’ And you just kind of just got to go there, you know? And it really is worth it. “
Cowell admits his work life balance has never been better, especially as his passion for creating stars through his TV series remains immense.
He said he had enjoyed the challenge of the new format AGT show, which premieres in January 2024.
For the first time, the judges will be competing alongside the contestants and will guide the acts throughout the competition with the hope of seeing an act from their team crowned the champion.
The judges will fill their fantasy teams with 10 show stopping acts compiled from singers, dancers, ventriloquists, comedians, aerialists, magicians and more. The Golden Buzzer will be back sending acts straight to the finals, but each judge can also use their buzzer to take an act from another judges’ team.
He said: “Do something you enjoy. It’s that.
“I’ve really enjoyed doing this. I really, really have enjoyed it, because I’ve really enjoyed the mentoring aspect, more than anything else, like the acts.”
