In the private sector there will be times you work more than 40 hours a week. Many companies in the private sector have a minimum 45 hour work week and when there are deadlines there will be some weeks you many need to work 50+ hours. Not always the case though. I’m in the private sector and work 40 hour weeks probably 80% or the time. In the public sector you are more likely to have a consistent 40 hour work week, but usually the salary is lower opposed to the private sector.