I Found Out a 9-to-5 Is Not for Me: How Do I Escape?

 

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Do you work at a job that you dread going to?  Is it hard to get up each morning to get ready?  Do you constantly feel as if there has to be a better way?  Does the idea of being inside a building for 8, 10, or 12 hours make you feel that you are in a state of entrapment? 

Do you resent the idea of being committed to a daily set schedule, with little to no time freedom? Does having someone constantly looking over your shoulder freak you out? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. These same feelings led to my passion for escaping the 9-to-5 bondage.

I began experiencing these same feelings many years ago.  At one point, I thought it was just the job itself.  However, the same mentality stayed with me regardless of my area of employment.  So let me explain the signs that led up to my decision that being an employee wasn't for me. 

 “I'm Not an Early Bird or a Night Owl”

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Getting up early each morning to be at work by 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. was challenging. Working late nights wasn't conducive either. So what did I do? I chose the lesser of two evils and worked morning shifts. This is when I began wishing for a more flexible schedule that allowed me to decide when I start my work day.

 “I Don't Like Feeling Trapped”

I have experienced some jobs where you can't exit the building until it’s time to leave.  For others that did allow you to go out for lunch break, they didn't provide an adequate break schedule to grab your lunch, eat, and return to work at the designated time. 

 For another place of employment, going outside on break wasn't an option because the space was connected to a smoking deck, and for the non-smokers like me, it wasn't beneficial. This was a major disadvantage because being able to get a change in scenery throughout the day can make a difference.

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"Set Schedules Affect Time Freedom"

 Dealing with time demands due to fixed work hours is extremely challenging. Set schedules negatively impact work-life balance, decreasing your time to do things you enjoy.  

These set schedules often prevent you from attending special events. Missing a planned event with family and friends can be daunting when you are stuck at work because your time off request was rejected, or when you can’t attend a school event with your child. After all, once these moments have passed, you can’t get them back.

 "Micromanagement Is Ridiculous"

 Despite my feelings of being an employee, I complied with rules and policies at my job.  I had no problem doing what I was assigned. I only wanted to do it in peace. It is nerve-wracking and offensive to notice someone watching you work, especially when they know you do your job and do it well.

Micromanagement creates tension and negative behavior in the workplace. Having someone constantly looking over my shoulders doesn’t sit well with me. It is also bothersome when there are so many authorized to give orders that you become confused and wonder who the boss is, especially when some have the exact position as you.

 "There Is a Way to Escape"

Photo by Phakphoom Srinorajan on Unsplash

Now I know working 9-to-5 is not for me. So what do I do now?  Let's say you like your job, but don’t like the rigid structure. Use your existing skills to work for yourself. If you desire to enter a different path, pursue your passion. 

Skill areas like software, technology, sales, marketing, writing, and administration already put you in a high-demand position. Your experience will enable you to obtain clients and, most of all, set your own schedule. There will be a more detailed explanation in another post on using your job to escape the 9-to-5. 

"Conclusion"

I encourage you to develop a strategy to exit your 9-to-5. Everyone has a purpose and a passion. When we live in our purpose and passion, we lead a more fulfilling life. It is up to each of us to take the steps to make it happen.