How to escape 9 to 5 purgatory

If you want to escape 9 to 5 - this article is a must-read!

The 9 to 5 grind. It's the stuff of nightmares for millions of people around the world. Yet, all too often, people simply grin and bear it.

For generations, getting a stable job and working from Monday to Friday was the epitome of a common-sense, successful life. It provided a structure around which you could flourish. But that lifestyle just doesn't fit the modern world.

But ask most people who were working during the heyday of the traditional office hours boom, and they'll tell you that one thing this often comforting routine DIDN'T deliver was financial freedom. But more about that later.

Nowadays, remote working, flexible hours, travel, and the internet have made the traditional working routine difficult to come by—even for those who would welcome it. More and more studies show that the old 9 to 5 routine is actually a hindrance rather than a help. In addition, the search for the holy grail of wealth creation goes on: the highly elusive passive income.

But why is the traditional working day so draining? Why is it so hard to maintain that routine? How can you break the cycle? If you feel drained, tired, unmotivated, and stuck in your career, escaping the 9 to 5 routine could be the best thing you can do.

If you've ever wondered how to escape the prison of your 9 to 5 existence, here's what you need to know.

Online course or face-to-face: the coaching you need is there for the taking

If you are determined to do whatever it takes to escape the 9-5, I can help. I've walked in your shoes, and I've come out of the process a winner. It won't be easy. I won't take any bu****it. And I'll call you out on any excuses and shortcomings. But if you're prepared to work at it, I'll help you secure the life of your dreams. Book an initial, completely free discovery meeting today to get started.

Why do we work from 9 to 5?

To understand why the traditional routine is so draining, you need to know where it comes from. It actually came from trade unions in Britain during the Industrial Revolution. Wealthy factory owners exploited the poor by making them work long hours for little pay. So unions formed and demanded a limit on the number of hours workers were expected to perform in a day.

At the time, it was actually over a 10-hour day.

Over the years, this has decreased as the quality of life improved and people demanded leisure time and other rights. In 1915, Uruguay became the first country to enshrine the eight-hour working day in law. Thus, the 9 to 5 was born.

The modern eight-hour day

But things have changed since 1915, and what worked then just doesn't work now. The most significant change is, of course, technology. Technology introduced the world to the idea of being constantly available. Even if you don't work from home, you can check emails, connect to work servers and finish off presentations at any time from your laptop. Technology has also made financial freedom more accessible than ever. Anyone can now take an online course and start a business from home—often in about a month, or even less!

This idea was advanced further by international travel. Business and trade suddenly became global, not local. Which means someone somewhere is always awake and working. You might say the eight-hour day gave way to the 24-hour working day where people are constantly available and tied to their phones.

With technology and travel pushing a new lifestyle, the 9-to05 working day has become outdated. Not only can it feel draining, but it is often counterproductive.

Why the 9 to 5 grind is killing you

There are many aspects of life in which a solid routine is an excellent thing. For example, having a regular exercise plan, visiting your family regularly, and making time for something you love can be built into a productive and positive routine.

So why isn't it the same for the 9 to 5?

The answer lies in the monotony of the eight-hour day. There is a fine line between a productive routine and a boring one. Most routines still allow for a certain amount of flexibility. For example, if you want to exercise regularly, you still need rest days. You can also choose what time you work out, how you do it and who you are with.

A gym workout is very different from a hike with a mate. The result is a level of variation and flexibility that caters to your individual needs. In other words, you still have plenty of choices.

The daily work routine doesn't offer the same flexibility. You can't choose when you do your 8-hour day; you can't change how you work or who you work with. This stifles creativity and individuality, which can be very damaging to both your motivation levels and your mental health.

But that's not all. What you do during your average working day is often reliant on the work of others. As a result, your rewards may be directly linked to the performance of your colleagues. Time is precious, so knowing that no matter how hard you work, you can't save any time is endlessly frustrating.

Are corporate jobs well-disguised traps?

Did you ever think your first job would shape your career path and lifestyle? If you are like most people, probably not. However, looking at your life years later, you might be doing something you don't like, or even hate.

You may have started as an entry-level marketing assistant posting weekly social media posts. You quickly made a name for yourself and attracted your boss's attention. In no time, you got promoted to a manager, marketing coordinator, or some other title that means pretty much nothing in the grand scheme of things—other than more responsibilities and accountabilities.

Fast forward a few years, and you're a director. You're excited about leading a team of marketing professionals and working with other leaders. If you play your cards right, you might also score an executive role, which comes with yet more responsibilities—but a bigger salary!

On the face of it, this may sound like a successful career. But it all depends on how you define success. Are you interested in a higher monthly salary and driving fancy cars? Is the prospect of a senior job title enticing?

Be honest with yourself: Are you happy with your life and the choices you've made? Think about it:

• Are you following a career path you wanted from the start?
• Were you interested in developing other skills?
• Did you ever think of starting a business or trying a different expertise?
• Are you looking for like-minded individuals with whom you can pursue a passion together?
• Are you worried that if you decide to follow your passion, it will mean taking a step backwards?
• Are you happy with what you do every day?
• Are you angry at yourself for compromising on your dreams?

All in all, corporate jobs head down a linear path. Pursuing a new venture or trying something different is usually difficult for most people. You are forced by nature and circumstances to stick with one area of expertise. This means following the prescribed career route—created by someone who will never know you.

As you climb the career ladder, your job may feel more important and consequential. But that doesn't mean it becomes more fulfilling.

More often than not, people in the corporate space make career transitions in search of comfort or just because it's what's expected in society. Eventually, such choices become less about personal ambition or achieving your life goals, and more about upgrading your lifestyle at the expense of having more responsibilities.

Even those earning the most money in the company are constantly looking for more freedom and flexibility. The corporate treadmill can trap you in a rut, leaving you unhappy and unsettled with where you are. in life Here are some red flags:

• Is it Friday yet?
• I can't be bothered to haul my a*s out of bed for work
• Nothing at work really matters to me
• Ugh! Another meeting!
• I can't believe I have to stare at this screen for another hour.
• I'm better than all of my peers and most of the people above me
• I'm so drained that by the time I get home, I have no energy for anything else

If any of this feels familiar, you may be trapped in 9 to 5 purgatory. This isn't your life; it's someone else's. After all, who in their right mind would ever dream of working at a desk for the same eight-hour period, five days a week, for the rest of their life?

Do you recognise yourself in any of these statements? If so, it may be a good time to challenge yourself and redefine what success means to you.

Long story short, a corporate job can be a huge trap. Very rarely does it deliver intellectual nourishment for the soul. And don't even start talking about financial freedom. If that's what you want, start your own business and invest wisely.

Most people say yes to a sh**ty job because it pays the bills. They then accept promotion after promotion for the quick fix of a larger paycheque. Very few love their jobs or talk about them with pride down the pub. All in all, 9 to 5 lives involve an endless line of platitudes, promotions, and pain—mental AND physical pain.

To escape the corporate trap, you need to figure out what you want from life. Perhaps you want more money or you want to become an entrepreneur and start your own business. Maybe you want to find a way to spend extra time with family, share your passion with the world, enjoy a hobby, or just lose weight.

When you're on the corporate treadmill, it becomes increasingly difficult to escape the 9 to 5. Why? Because your lifestyle matches your income. You can't or won't risk missing mortage payments, and you certainly don't want to give up your annual holiday in Saint Tropez. So, you create a narrative that involves the facade of being happy and content with your lot in life.

But deep, deep down within your soul, you know that freedom and control in your life will make you immeasurably happier.

The flexible lifestyle - how to quit a corporate job?

So, what should you do if you want to escape the 9 to 5 or you're not happy with your current corporate job? This is where a flexible lifestyle can be incredibly beneficial. For a start, it can save you time. Flexible working means choosing when to work and not having to work around the schedules of others. You can work to your own schedule.

Over time, flexible working can lead to a boost in productivity. It's all about working smarter instead of harder. And this requires a distinct set of soft skills and an idea of how you want your life to look.

Studies show that having a flexible working life can boost productivity. That sounds like business speak, doesn't it? In reality, it means getting more done in less time—freeing precious time to do as you wish. For example, if your professional life is everything to you, using that extra time for creating business strategies might make sense. If you're worried about your work-life balance, however, creating more time for family and friends is probably the way to go.

Moving away from a structured day and gaining a flexible work-life balance benefits everyone. It promotes individuality, creativity, and motivation. You work when you want to, which means you're always on your A-game when it matters.

People who don't work typical 9 to 5 days to save money. It's usually a matter of paying bills and saving enough for an annual holiday. People who want financial freedom have to set themselves free. Of course, that's often easier said than done.

Ways to escape the 9 to 5 lifestyle

So, what does it take to escape the 9 to 5 hell you're currently trapped in? How do you take the plunge when you know your new business will take months to generate a profit? How can you possibly risk everything for such a flight of fancy?

Taking the plunge is the hardest step. But once you've done that, with the right support and someone teaching you the necessary skills, the rest is relatively straightforward. In fact, it can be fun!

Is escaping the 9 to 5 worth it?

When you quit a steady job that offers a good salary, benefits, and security for you and your family, it's important to weigh up the risks and rewards. Because let's be honest; some people are perfectly suited to the traditional working day.

But what's most important to you? Your monthly salary or creating the perfect life for yourself? Do any of these common scenarios ring a bell? They should because they've come from like-minded individuals who took the plunge and quit the 9 to 5 rat race.

1. You can't travel extensively because the boss expects you to show up in the same place every day
2. You are selling your time and labour for money, but the income doesn't make up for the sacrifices you're making
3. You have to live on your boss' timetable (the 9 to 5), and someone else structures your day for you
4. You have to put up with monotonous and boring work that doesn't showcase your most impressive talents

Any opportunity that allows you to escape this vicious cycle should be embraced with open arms. Think of it as creating a life that you always wanted. In the end, what really matters is your happiness and the path that you take for the rest of your life.

Of course, you'll still need to pay the bills. But remember: You only get one chance at life. Isn't it better to create a life that makes you genuinely happy and fulfilled?

Stop worrying about what other people might think. Who cares? If they love your life so much, tell them to live it! Taking risks is only risky if the rewards don't outweigh the consequences of failure!

So, how can you create that perfect life you've always dreamed of? How can you finally escape the 9-5 nightmare?

Here are a few options to explore:

1. Start your own business

Every business starts with a great idea. Being your own boss means taking control of both your day-to-day existence and your destiny. You'll know you're on the right track if your business idea gets you excited...if it gets you out of bed in the morning.

In the current digital age, starting a business is more accessible than before. You can build up an online business alongside your job. This allows you to replace your income before giving notice and quitting your job. Your side hustle will give you a smoother transition away from your full-time job. Some of the business ideas that work well with this model include:

• Digital products
• Coaching/consulting
• E-commerce
• Online courses

Find more side hustle ideas here.

With a business model like coaching or consulting, you can teach people something you love. It involves guiding and advising people on how they can achieve their goals.

You do not need to learn any new skills; just develop a strategy that allows you to share your knowledge, experience, and guidance. Eventually, you can apply this to other models such as selling digital products and online courses for a more steady income.

2. Freelancing

Freelancing involves providing a service to individuals or businesses. This can be a good way to earn money using the same skills from your corporate job. However, you get more flexibility and control than from starting a new job. You can also free time up at a moment's notice, which is always a great way to live your life.

As a freelancer, you can set your own schedule and choose clients you want to work with. You can also create your own packages to make more money or attract potential customers. Just think of a marketable skill that you can learn (or already have), and you'll be good to go. Some business ideas that you can do on a freelance basis include:

• Social media management
• Video editing
• Graphic design
• Copywriting
• Email marketing
• Content management
• Translating
• Voice acting
• Virtual assisting

Need some formal training? Take an online course if you have to. Practice at every opportunity. If you're determined and persistent, you'll start winning contracts within just a few months.

The most exciting thing about freelancing is that it offers a lot of flexibility. Depending on your career field and connection, you can set your own hours and work from anywhere in the world as a digital nomad. However, it provides less stability than a full-time job.

Additionally, you will no longer have the steady monthly income or health benefits provided by employers. But if you are thinking of building a strong network of clients for yourself, then freelancing is the way to go.

3. Find a remote job

A remote job is a great 9-5 escape option that gives you more flexibility and freedom while helping keep living expenses in check. A normal job usually comes with things like tight schedules and long commutes that do not work for your lifestyle. In contrast, remote jobs are flexible in terms of schedule and location.

Finding your first remote job can be a challenge, but you could start where you are. You may speak to your boss or company about going remote or hybrid. Hybrid, in this case, means working from home some days a week moving forward.

If this does not work, look at job boards like FlexJobs and We Work Remotely that post new opportunities every day. You may not be paid much money at first, but like any other job, there's room for growth.

4. Earn passive income through investing

Most people use investing as a way to earn a passive income. However, this can also help you escape the 9 to 5 and lead a better lifestyle. It may be one of the slowest routes to financial freedom, but it can secure your future if you take calculated risks.

Several options are available when it comes to investing. You may consider stocks or real estate, depending on your disposable income. They both involve taking risks and time to build, but they have a potential for growth.

Think about it for a moment. What better incentive is there to quit a job than an income that comes in whether or not you're working?

5. Live extremely frugally

Another option for escaping the 9 to 5 is to radically cut your expenses. Living a frugal life may not be for everyone, but it can negate the need for a corporate job. Unfortunately, you can't completely do away with all expenses, but you can focus on certain aspects of life.

Here are a few options for living a more frugal life:

1. Keep your day job and save as much as possible. Retire early in your 40s and live off your savings.
2. Take an online course that allows you to retrain around your existing commitments.
3. Live in a small apartment, spending only a little and saving as much as possible.
4. Go off-grid. This may include building for yourself a cabin in the wild and living off the land (off-grid).

Living frugally can be a 9 to 5 escape, but the sacrifice may not work for everyone. It may be a good idea to evaluate your life goals and desires before deciding to go frugal.

How to escape the 9 to 5: top tips

Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

Most people dream of quitting their day job to achieve financial freedom. However, escaping the rat race is easier said than done. The most important thing is to determine how to keep your cash flow afloat and earn a living even without a full-time job. Creating the right conditions for this leap of faith requires the kind of soft skills only a life coach or an online course can deliver.

Recognising that you need to quit 9 to 5 working and actually doing it are two separate things. First, it can be tough to break a cycle when you live a comfortable life. Second, a steady job feels safe and stable for many people, so breaking it can feel uncomfortable and unnecessarily risky.

These tips for breaking your work routine can make your transition from 9 to 5 to flexible working more comfortable.

Ask your boss

If you love your job but don't want to do the standard hours, one thing you can do instantly is ask your boss for a change.

In some cases, depending on your job, this might not be possible. However, over the last few years, more people than ever have switched to remote working. The result is more flexibility and freedom. If you want to play tennis in the middle of the day, communicate that to your boss and ensure that you'll still meet all your targets. Of course, bosses who would grant such a request are in short supply!

Flexible working is more popular than ever, and more and more people can hit targets while staying at their own

Find your productivity cycle

Are you a morning person? Or are you super productive at night? Can you focus for a full day but will then need a day off, or does taking a break every half hour keep you focused all week? Everyone is different.

We are conditioned to work from morning until night, but sometimes this may not suit your style. You may have to create a new cycle in which to thrive.

Once you break out of this cycle, work during your productive periods, and find ways to work effectively, everything becomes easier. So if you want to escape the 9 to 5 life, it really is a case of working smarter, not harder.

Speak to your best friend, like-minded individuals or someone who can help you identify what works for you.

Make a realistic plan

Everyone has a dream life. What does yours look like? Passive income or a captain of industry? How much will it cost? Is it realistic? Who will be impacted by a significant change in your life? Breaking tradition needs a real plan.

The main point you need to consider involves the practicalities of switching up your career and doing something new. If you have children or a partner, you need to consider them. What does this mean for you financially?

Before you make a huge decision, you should consider the realities of following your dream. It can feel overwhelming to suddenly quit your job. To deal with a big change, create a plan and look at the possible impact of your decision. It'll help you with the mental challenges of getting used to a new flexible lifestyle.

Overcome your fear of decline

Moving away from the comfort of your steady job to a whole new world in pursuit of financial freedom can be intimidating. One of the biggest reasons people choose to remain trapped in the 9 to 5 is the fear of decline.

Whether you want to pursue a new business idea, sell an online course, or become a digital nomad, there will be a huge change financially and socially.

As a self-employed person, you may not make as much money as you used to as an employee. However, this may be temporary, and you can quickly bounce back if you work out how to create the right strategy. In the long term, you may make more money than you could ever earn as a 9 to 5 employee.

The social fear of decline is another reason why people don't escape the 9-5. When you leave your job and start a new life, your friends and colleagues may pity you or look down on you. You will likely lose respect in a way that can never be repaired even after you hit it big finally. Some may even think you are a little strange. But who cares?

Most people who criticise you are actually too intimidated to do what you did and are still trapped in the corporate treadmill. To be free, you must be strong enough to stand by your decision, even if it means disappointing the people closest to you.

Start saving

If you really want to quit your day job to become an entrepreneur or turn your side hustle into your full-time career, create a bit of breathing room. Having some spare cash for an emergency to keep you afloat is crucial. Because things WILL go wrong. It's an unavoidable part of going it alone in business. Start saving now. If you want to live your dream life in the future, you might need to make some sacrifices today.

If you need help, speak to an expert about setting a budget or download an app to help track where you spend money and where you can save. Create a little nest egg. When you first quit your job, you'll need something to fall back on if things don't go to plan. And any business coach will tell you that some things definitely won't go to plan!

Find a side hustle

A successful side hustle will take up what little free time you have left. Counterproductive, right? Well, if you're doing things the right way, no! Think of the extra work as part of your long-term plan.

You'll end up doing your normal job, coming home, and then doing more work on your own business. But you need to see it as an investment and not just as a source of passive income. Putting in the work now means eventually breaking free of the standard working cycle.

Having a successful side hustle, particularly if it can run itself, can be a great way to prepare for ditching your day job. It'll help you save up some extra cash, and if it's something you love, it could support your finances for the foreseeable future without being too stressful.

Top tip: Enlist the services of a time management coach if you struggle to juggle your job and your side hustle.

Master your craft

Starting a side hustle is only the first step in escaping the 9 to 5. Once you have chosen your competency and the services or product you are going to offer, you need to master it. You can find valuable content from online courses to enhance the quality of your side hustle.

If you're a Jack of all trades and a master of none, your attempt at escaping the 9-5 is doomed to failure from the outset. Take a course if you have to. People and businesses won't pay for substandard work. And even if they do, they won't come back to you for more.

As you look for resources online, look for courses that are reliable and relevant. Compare different sources and teachers to get a clear picture of what you want to achieve. And be sure to take notes and ask questions when it's appropriate.

Every business needs marketing expertise. So, if you EVER have the chance to talk to a marketing coach or experienced marketer, take it!

Marketing tactics such as a lead magnet can help you secure your first client by offering samples, free consultations, and trial subscriptions.

Be professional

Being successful in business requires professionalism at all times. Even if this is your first business, you should not be seen as an amateur. Treat your business as a priority and play by the rules.

Since you will be meeting different kinds of people, it's a good idea to adhere to the following basic rules of a business:

• Always be on time. Being late shows that you do not take the client seriously or you don't have your life together.
• Never miss a deadline. Delivering the work late signals that you are disorganised, have no idea what you are doing, and that you are unreliable.
• Communicate clearly: Listen to your clients and understand their specific pain points. Take notes and always remember what they said.
• Dress sharply: Small businesses succeed by showing what makes them different. Dressing sharply for the meeting gives a great impression and can win the trust of your target audience.

It's easier than you think!

Some people think that they are only capable of working in a standard job and that the fantasy life of flexible working isn't something they are capable of. But, in reality, everyone has the ability to leave the 9 to 5 behind. Usually, it's just a question of being brave enough to make the first move.

This doesn't mean you have to hand in your notice tomorrow. But starting to make realistic plans can help with some of the fear of breaking out into the unknown. From saving money to asking your boss for flexible hours to starting a productive side hustle, moving away from the traditional working day is easier than you think.

You just have to make the all-important decision: Is the 9 to 5 day part of the life you really want? If the answer is no, you have the power to start making changes and break free. The skills you need can always be learned later!

Hold on! Not so fast! Listen to the wise words of an experienced life coach!

But before you quit your job or give your boss two weeks' notice, it's probably a good idea to ask an impartial life and career change coach for advice.

All you need to do is take the plunge. If you believe in your abilities, that leap of faith will be the best move you ever make. Book your free initial consultation with me—an experienced life and business coach in London—and escape the 9-5 forever!