# Maker's schedule, explained

URL: https://gocutline.com/glossary/makers-schedule/

The maker's schedule is a day divided into long blocks of half a day or more, which makers (programmers, writers, designers) need to get anything substantial done. Paul Graham contrasted it with the manager's schedule of one-hour slots in a 2009 essay.

## What it means
On a manager's schedule a meeting is just one slot. On a maker's schedule a meeting in the middle of the afternoon breaks it into two pieces too small for real work. When makers and managers share a calendar, this is the source of a lot of friction.

## How to do it in a calendar
- Keep meetings on one side of the day (for example after 14:00) or on fixed days.
- Protect at least one half-day maker block on most days.
- If you manage makers, ask before booking into their mornings.

## An example
A designer keeps 09:00 to 13:00 meeting-free Monday to Thursday and puts all calls in the afternoon. Friday is the meeting day.

## Common mistakes
- **Small gaps.** Thirty minutes between meetings is not a maker block.
- **Booking by default.** Calendar tools fill empty space; protect it with a block.

## Where it comes from
Paul Graham, "Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule" (July 2009), paulgraham.com.

## Questions

**Can I be both a maker and a manager?**
Most people are. Split the week: maker mornings and manager afternoons, or maker days and meeting days.

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Facts: https://gocutline.com/facts/ · Updated 2026-10-24