There are many perspectives on whether a person should or shouldn’t stay the course with a 9-to-5. But it depends on the person. To many, either route is viable. Becoming very clear about what you want and how you’ll accomplish leaving and building your venture is the key.
I worked a white-collar job for over 15 years, and I am decidedly not a 9-to-5’er at this point. I think that’s the case for many, it’s either right for them or it isn’t. If they’re on the fence it’s likely because they haven’t thought it through yet, and don’t have a tangible exit strategy figured out.
If you’re reading this I assume you’re in the decided category or on the fence. And if you’re on the fence, I assume you’ve already decided you want out deep down, but the stars aren’t aligned yet and you’re just daydreaming.
No matter the case, you’re ripe to start contemplating, planning, and building habits.
Start Clarifying Your Vision
For those who have decided that working the 9-to-5 isn’t for them. You should make efforts to become as clear as possible about the day in, day out operations of what you will be doing once you leave your job and what things will need to be in place.
Write these things down, mind map, etc.
Ask yourself questions like:
- Am I going to be able to handle repeating those tasks for a long time?
- Are there ways I can start preparing myself or my environment that will foster those tasks?
- How can I explain my intention to my family and friends so that I have their support and understanding?
The more clearly defined you can make things in your mind the better!
Start Building Supportive Habits and Saving ASAP
I remember being in my 9-to-5 and fantasizing about what life would be like “on the outside”. But, in reality what keeps us stable, sane, and leads to success is good habits, which are often mundane, but with time, become things that we don’t know how we ever lived without.
If you can build the foundation for your new routine or even start building your venture before you leave your job, you will be ahead of the curve.
This will also help your wallet. For instance, eating home-cooked meals can be healthy and cheap if done right. This is great, because you should probably start whittling down your spending and, unless you’ve already got the financial side figured out, start saving as much as you can.
In the best-case scenario you won’t need all your savings because your venture will come off cleanly and you’ll be rolling in dough. But, the last thing you want is to have to go back to a 9-to-5 before you’ve gotten your feet wet.
A Note on the Post 9-To-5 Lean Period
I haven’t seen many people write about this, but when you first start working full time on your venture, you’re going to be finding your bearings. It’s going to be weird and probably difficult. If you don’t expect this, it can throw you for a loop.
This period doesn’t last forever though and your habits will act as a safety net. That’s why it’s so important that you begin building those up early. No routine is perfect, so try not to beat yourself up, and remember that what life has ready to throw at you during this phase will pass.
Have faith in yourself and best wishes,
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