How long will it take to recover from desexing?

G'day

Spike (male) is ready to get desexed soon. I want to make sure that either my son or I will be home so I will have to make sure that our rosters suit. If it's more than 4 days I'll have to organise things at work.

Do you think that'll be long enough?

That will be more than enough time.  The male procedure is very simple and minimally invasive.  Complications are rare.  

Thank you.

Yep, Denice is right.
If I may just add, keep watch on the surgery site and that when he uses the litter box, make sure that the litter don't get stuck to the incision area and keep it dry. It's just a tiny slit.
He may get a little drowsy after he's back as the anesthesia has not worn off yet. It'll take a one for to days for it to wear off.
My 7 month old kitten just got neutered almost a month ago and he wasn't on the e-collar because he doesn't like to put it on as it is ok with some cats but he was ok as he was not licking the incision. I just make sure no litter is stuck and if there is, I took a damp tissue and wipe it off gently for him. To date, the incisions have closed and healed completely with no complications.
He'll be back to his normal self in a few days and at the mean time, continue to shower him with lots of love.
But be ready to expect a more mellow, less active cat from before.

My boy went in at eleven, the vet said he'd be spark out until ten. He was up and about by five. I just had to discourage him from licking his balls for a day or two. If you can be with him great but you shouldn't need more than a day off or half if you take him in in the afternoon.

Don't forget to not feed him on the day like I did!

Forgot to add, he should be fasting for 12 hours before the surgery and after surgery for the next few days, make sure that there are no yellowish pus at the sugery site. If there is, quickly bring him back to the vet. It's likely to be an infection.

Thank you all for your very helpful advice. I'll be booking him in for next week. He'll be 5 months old. I've read in the articles better sooner than later. I was waiting for 6 months.