Hello, I’m a foreigner from Europe currently working in Taiwan. While I truly enjoy living here and love many aspects of life in Taiwan; the convenient living, relliable public transport, friendly people and delicious food, I’ve found the work culture very difficult to adjust to. I work in the field of science as a researcher, and while I am passionate about my field, the long working hours have really drained me. My current schedule is typically 9am–8pm (and sometimes later), five days a week, with only a one-hour lunch break. In my contract there is no mention of my expected work hours so I feel forced to work until my boss says I can go home. Back in my home country, I was used to working 40 hours a week with more breaks during the day, and I still had energy to pursue my hobbies and social life. Here, I often feel exhausted every day, and even on my days off I struggle to find the energy to enjoy Taiwan, meet people, or do activities I love. It’s been discouraging, and it’s crushing the passion I have for my field. Every Sunday I dread going back to work and having to go through it again another week. So I’d like to ask: is this the reality of most jobs in Taiwan, particularly in science/research? Are long hours expected every day? I am looking for other jobs that have work hours listed on the job posting, are they to be believed? Will I actually be working those hours or will I be forced to work longer? Are there any protections for foreigners regarding long hours? Or am I being unrealistic or entitled by expecting work-life balance to be similar to Western standards here? I would really appreciate hearing about other people’s experiences and any advice.