Learn how to break free from the conventional 9-5 narrative. This guide discusses tips for effective financial planning, income stream ideas, mastering debt management, and embracing intentional lifestyle choices, empowering you to escape the 9-5 and live life on your terms.
Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
First, let’s discuss the elephant in the room.
It’s not even a 9-5. It’s an 8-5 with an hour of unpaid lunch.
Now that we got that out of the way. Here is how the cycle goes:
- Get good grades in high school so you can go to college.
- Go to college so you can get a job.
- Get a 9-5 job so you can retire at 67 (if you were born in 1960 or later).
I don’t know about you, but the idea of going to school, graduating, and then working for 40+ years solely to retire at 67 doesn’t align with the life I aspire to live.
Yet, that’s the status quo we’ve been primed to aim for. Fortunately, more people are realizing this and yearning for something more.
This guide explores the 4 main steps that need to be taken to escape the 9-5 trap. Whether you’re considering starting your own business, freelancing, or even contemplating a move abroad, we’ll dive into some details of each option. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the 9-5 is not necessarily the enemy in this process; instead, it can be a vital tool in helping you accelerate wealth growth, helping you reach your goals much earlier than anticipated.
How can I leverage the 9-5 as a wealth-building tool?
One of the teachings of Dave Ramsey that I hold close to my heart is that your number one wealth-building tool is your income.
While the ultimate goal might be to pursue alternative income paths or achieve financial independence, your 9-5 serves as one of the most powerful tools to get you there.
Let’s dive deeper into why your traditional income plays a crucial role in your escape the 9-5 journey.
Consistent Income
Your 9-5 job provides a reliable and consistent source of income. This stability is invaluable for creating a financial plan, covering essential expenses, and having the financial security to pursue other wealth-building avenues that might serve you in the future.
Budgeting and Saving
A steady income from your 9-5 allows you to establish a budget and systematically save money. Following simple budgeting principles, you can allocate a portion of your income to an emergency fund, high-interest debt repayment, and long-term savings to prepare you for your post 9-5 life.
Employee Benefits
Many traditional jobs come with benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and employer-sponsored savings programs. Take full advantage of these benefits to enhance your financial security. Contribute to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, and if there’s a matching program, maximize your contributions to capitalize on free money.
Upon leaving your 9-5, you’ll have the ability to roll that money over to another account. The type of account you will be able to utilize will depend on the path you end up choosing. For example, if you end up starting your own business, you’ll have the ability to roll your old 401(k) into a Solo 401(k).
Skill Development
Your 9-5 job is a great opportunity to hone in on your skills and gain valuable experience.
As an example, one of the most important skills when starting your own business is effective communication. Clear and persuasive communication is essential for interacting with customers, employees, and stakeholders, helping you convey your ideas, build relationships, and navigate challenges successfully.
Use the opportunities for professional development and advancement within your current role. Acquiring new skills can make you more marketable and potentially open doors to successful entrepreneurial ventures in the future.
Funding Side Ventures
If you have entrepreneurial aspirations or side projects, your 9-5 income can serve as the financial foundation for these ventures. Your job’s stability can be used to fund and test new ideas without the pressure of relying solely on the success of your brand-new business.
What does it mean to reach financial freedom and escape the 9-5?
Financial freedom doesn’t necessarily mean never working again; it can, however, if that’s your preference.
It can mean many things depending on how you perceive it.
To some, financial freedom means being able to cover your living expenses, handle emergencies, and pursue your goals without constantly worrying about money.
For me, it means not being tied to a corporate job that dictates my autonomy, vacation days, and wake-up time. It’s about a flexible lifestyle and shaping my future, not relying on annual reviews for promotion.
“Life is much simpler when you stop explaining yourself to people and just do what works for you.“
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Can you really escape the 9 to 5?
Yes, and many before you already have.
Here are some interesting statistics:
- Approximately 1.57 billion people in the global workforce are freelancers.
- Worldwide, the total freelance platform market is estimated to be worth $3.39 billion.
- Last year annual earnings by US freelancers grew by $100 million, now totaling $1.3 trillion.
Based on these numbers and the ongoing growth within this industry, there is still room for others.
But the most difficult part of getting started has a lot to do with our mindset. One of the first things that we need to do is let go of the idea that success is defined by how high we can climb the corporate ladder within these billion-dollar corporations. At the end of the day, those corporations only pursue their interests and those of their shareholders.
Who is pursuing your interests, your passions, and your aspirations?
You are your best supporter.
Once you adopt this mindset, you’re prepared to start creating a lifestyle that aligns more closely with your passions and aspirations. Freelancing is just one path; there are numerous alternative paths to find professional and personal fulfillment.
Keep reading to discover some of those alternative paths.
Why is sacrificing passions over stability so common?
I do my job today because it pays my bills. In college, I did not choose a curriculum I “enjoyed”. I chose something safe and went into finance and economics because I believed there were plenty of jobs that could accommodate that degree.
I think many people can relate to the idea of not wanting to take the risk of being “unmarketable.” While I am fortunate I don’t hate the job I do today, I do often feel like I am stuck in a constant 9-5 loop.
I used to not like my job. This was because I worked for a company that offered me no work-life balance. Waking up for work Monday through Friday, I experienced lots of anxiety. Due to that experience, I also understand that side of the coin and why someone would want to escape the 9-5 right away.
I mention the fact that I don’t hate my current job while actively working to escape it because I think it’s important to recognize that all hell doesn’t have to break loose to decide that you want to make a change. Wanting change to create something better for yourself, doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful for what you have. It means you know your worth and know that there are other options.
Having a stable job in your back pocket can provide support for your journey in making that change.
“What would you do if there were no way you could fail?”
TIMOTHY FERRISS
If I didn’t have to rely on a 9-5 to pay my bills, I would open a flower shop, an animal rescue, or both. Those are two things I know would make me happy and bring fulfillment to my life. And those are two things I still aspire to do when I have the means to do.
What would you do with all your free time?
What are the four steps to escape the 9-5?
Enough about me. Let’s dive into the path to financial freedom, which can be broken down into 4 steps. While not necessarily simple, quite intricate actually, these four steps are the foundation for your journey.
- Effective financial planning
- Multiple Income Streams
- Debt management
- Lifestyle choices
I will break each of these down below.
Before I do, however, let’s consider one more step beyond these four. While it may seem incredibly obvious and “easy,” it’s the most important of them all.
Understanding the WHY?
Why am I doing this? Why is this important? How does this support my long-term goals?
The answers to these questions may seem straightforward, but they are the foundation of everything you do after you answer them. Escaping the 9-5 can be difficult.
At the end of the day, you are deviating from the norm. You are taking a different path. When things get difficult, your WHY becomes the driving force that keeps you on the path to achieving it. It serves as a constant reminder of your abilities and reinforces your commitment to the path you’ve chosen.
Effective Financial Planning to Escape the 9-5
Effective financial planning can go a long way in helping you reach your financial freedom. While many blogs focus on setting clear goals and budgeting, you may wonder how to define those goals and determine your retirement needs.
I always thought the idea of a 401k was so vague. It’s an account that your employer sets up for your retirement, urging you to contribute at least 5% of your income, with not much explanation.
Don’t get me wrong; contributing to a 401(k), especially with an employer match, is always a great idea. It’s essentially free money!
However, what I am trying to emphasize is not dwelling on the idea that a 401(k) is the only path to retire at 59.5, without penalties. This idea shouldn’t bind you to a specific company for years just to make those contributions worthwhile.
A 401(k) is not the only retirement account option. There are also other retirement investments you can consider, such as:
- Roth IRA
- Certificate of Deposit (CD)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Taxable Brokerage Accounts
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS)
- Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Beyond the investment options, the first step to planning is asking the question: How much do I need to plan for?
The answer to this question can vary from person to person and it largely depends on two factors: the age you want to retire and your desired retirement income.
Calculating Retirement Needs:
Now that you have an idea of when you want to retire and your anticipated post-retirement living expenses, I highly recommend you use this retirement calculator to determine when you can retire based on your age and current financial situation.
I appreciate this tool because beyond entering your age, current income, and retirement savings, it also provides an area to enter “Other retirement income”. While the website defines this as the monthly total of expected income in retirement, I categorize it as side-hustle income.
This is because, when I talk about retiring at 40 (it started as a joke), it doesn’t mean quitting work entirely. I imagine myself continuing activities like blogging or pursuing other passions for additional income during retirement. By incorporating such elements, my retirement goal at 40 becomes more realistic and achievable.
This calculator, by default, factors in a 6% rate of return on investments and an average inflation of 3%, which seems fair. If you are a more experienced investor and anticipate higher returns, there is an area where that can be adjusted. Although the past couple of years have been unusual, inflation over the past decade has averaged 1.88%.
The big caveat of any retirement calculator is that it is an estimate. Nobody knows what will happen 10 years from now, but it gives us a realistic target to aim for when setting our financial goals.
RELATED POST: 10+ Life-Changing Short Term Financial Goals for a Successful 2024
Creating a Plan:
Now that you have your target, you must develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your financial goals. This plan should include saving strategies, investments, and backup plans for unexpected expenses.
If you don’t already have a budget, create one. Figure out how much money you can save per paycheck. Depending on the age you want to escape the 9-5, you may need additional income to buff up those savings.
Even if you already have another income stream lined up, before you quit your 9-5, it is recommended that you have a well-funded emergency fund to lean on. Unlike your stable 9-5 income, any freelance, online, service, etc. income may experience fluctuations from month to month. Having an emergency fund to get through those fluctuations instead of dipping into your long-term savings is important.
RELATED POST: 9 Emergency Fund Mistakes You Will Never Make Again
Income Streams to Escape the 9-5
Adding additional sources of income can accelerate the journey to escape the 9-5. This could include investments, side businesses, or passive income streams that provide a cushion and buff up your savings account.
Starting a Business:
If you don’t already have a business idea or a passion project you want to pursue, there is a chance you currently work in a field that you can convert into a business opportunity. It is possible that your corporate experience can be turned into a successful entrepreneurial venture. This will require you to identify market needs to see whether your expertise may be needed somewhere else beyond your 9-5. Starting your own business is hard work, but it can certainly yield fruitful benefits once it gets going.
“Our goal isn’t to create a business that is as large as possible, but rather a business that bothers us at little as possible.”
TIMOTHY FERRISS
Here are some ideas that individuals with corporate experience can consider turning into their own business:
- Consultant: Businesses often seek expertise in areas such as strategy, operations, marketing, or finance.
- Marketing: If your role revolves around marketing, you may have the opportunity to start your agency and provide services such as content writing, social media management, or digital marketing for businesses.
- HR: Start a human resource consulting firm. Offer services like recruitment, employee training, or HR process optimization.
- Project Management: Turn your project management skills into a business. Offer project management services for companies that may not have an in-house project manager.
- Technology: Use your IT or programming skills to start a technology solutions business. Offer services like software development, website design, or IT consulting.
Freelancing:
Diving into freelancing in the gig economy gives you flexibility and diverse work opportunities. Success in this dynamic field depends on building a strong portfolio of clients and skills.
Consider the following popular online freelancing platforms as a start:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
These platforms offer a huge array of gigs, from creative writing and graphic design to programming and digital marketing.
Service Business
Would you rather leave your corporate work completely in the past and pursue something totally out of left field? If so, starting a service business could be what you’re looking for.
But instead of trying to invent a new service, consider offering a common one with existing competition. This usually means there is enough demand to go around. The service industry often lacks quality providers, leaving plenty of opportunities for newcomers.
You don’t need extraordinary skills. Many of the skills you need can be learned over several weeks and improved on as you go. Starting a service business is often low-risk, requires minimal investment, and provides quick cash flow.
Here are some ideas to get your gears spinning:
- Handyman Services
- Photography Services
- Pool Cleaning
- Landscaping and Gardening
- Tutoring or Coaching
In no time, you could be on your way to financial independence with the fast, easy, and reliable nature of a service business. However, if you need extra inspiration, check out Dan Perry’s post at the Handyman Startup on the ultimate 9-5 escape plan.
Remote Jobs:
The rise of remote work opens up opportunities for those seeking location independence. Right now is the ultimate chance to become a digital nomad and work from anywhere in the world. Maybe even somewhere with a lower cost of living?
“Earn dollars. Live on pesos. Compensate in rupees.”
TIMOTHY FERRISS
Remote work not only provides the convenience of eliminating time-consuming commutes but also offers you the opportunity to reclaim a significant portion of your day, which you can put into building your side business or project you used to not have time for.
If you currently spend a total of 2 hours commuting to work, the shift to remote work can enable you to redirect that time into your business daily.
Drop shipping and Amazon FBA:
Another avenue for generating income is through Amazon FBA or drop shipping. I know. I feel like these methods are often presented in a very “get rich quick” type of way which makes them seem not realistic.
There are so many videos out there sharing “secrets” on how to easily make 6 or 7 figures. But the reality is that if it was easy, everyone would do it. And if it was easy, everyone would be rich. But that is not the case.
While I haven’t personally tried these methods, I’ve encountered enough success stories to acknowledge their potential. But just like with everything else, you have to stick with it long enough for it to work and if you don’t have enough funds to sustain the initial investment, it might not be the right option for you.
However, if this is a route you are interested in here is a blog post all about Amazon FBA success stories to potentially push you over the edge of going this route.
Debt Management to Escape the 9-5
Addressing and managing debt is an important aspect of achieving financial freedom and escaping the 9-5. Working towards reducing high-interest debts and adopting responsible borrowing habits can free up resources for wealth-building activities.
Stop keeping up with the Joneses:
Effectively managing debt on the path to financial freedom requires resisting the temptation to constantly upgrade your phone, drive the newest car, or follow the newest fashion or home decor trend, etc. While technology advances, keeping up with the Joneses may hinder your escape from the 9-5 trap, as it requires continuous spending. Prioritizing needs over wants supports a sustainable approach to debt management, contributing to your journey to financial independence.
Choosing to drive your current car until it no longer serves you well, rather than immediately buying a new one after completing your 60 payments, allows you to break free from the cycle of interest and depreciation.
This approach aligns with principles of frugality, avoiding unnecessary debt, and prioritizing long-term financial goals. This approach frees up resources that can be redirected towards debt repayment or wealth-building activities.
Creating a Debt Repayment Plan:
To effectively manage debt, it’s crucial to create a structured repayment plan. Utilize strategies like the debt snowball or debt avalanche method to systematically pay off debts. This involves prioritizing either the smallest debt first for psychological wins or the highest interest rate debt for a more cost-effective approach.
You can find more information on the Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche methods here.
Enhancing Credit Score:
A positive side effect of responsible debt management is an improvement in your credit score. A higher credit score can lead to more favorable terms on loans, better interest rates, and increased financial flexibility. This can be particularly advantageous if you are looking to refinance high-interest loans or negotiate interest rates on current debt to ease your repayment journey.
Lifestyle Choices to Escape the 9-5
Financial freedom often involves conscious lifestyle choices. This doesn’t mean sacrificing enjoyment but rather aligning spending with your values and long-term goals. It may involve distinguishing between needs and wants and finding satisfaction in experiences rather than material possessions.
Escape the 9-5 loop by exploring alternative lifestyles that offer more fulfillment and purpose.
Live Minimally:
Simplifying your life through downsizing and embracing a minimalist approach to possessions can be a powerful strategy for substantial cost reduction (and less cleaning!).
By reaching into the principles of decluttering, minimalism, and intentional living, you not only cut down on unnecessary expenses but also cultivate a lifestyle that aligns with your financial objectives. Explore these practices to discover a more meaningful and financially conscious way of living.
Moving Abroad:
Relocating to a different country can be a transformative experience, and surprisingly, it may also come with potential financial benefits. If you’ve always dreamed of living abroad but believed it was financially out of reach, consider carefully examining the cost of living in your destination. You may find that the move can lead to a more affordable and fulfilling lifestyle. Taking the leap to live abroad might not be solely about exploration but could turn out to be a strategic decision that positively impacts your financial well-being.
Downsize:
Opting to downsize your home or contemplating a move to a lower-cost-of-living area is a strategic lifestyle choice that can significantly impact your journey to financial freedom. Downsizing your home can streamline your expenses and free up resources, allowing you to redirect funds toward savings or investments. Similarly, moving to a region with a lower cost of living can provide financial relief and create opportunities for a more budget-conscious lifestyle.
Frugality as a Lifestyle:
Embrace frugal habits to cut unnecessary costs and build a robust savings plan. Small changes in your spending habits can lead to significant financial gains over time.
Delayed Gratification:
Patience and persistence are crucial when aiming for long-term financial success. Get-rich-quick schemes don’t exist.
Success takes time.
When doubts about your success creep in, revisit your WHY. Remind yourself that the effort you’re putting in is the only way to realize your goals.
Delayed gratification applies to spending too. While services like Klarna and Afterpay offer the option to split a $200 purchase into four $50 payments, it’s wiser to wait until you have the cash. This approach not only helps manage spending but also avoids the risk of accumulating high-interest debt.
Escape the 9-5 Final Thoughts
Your escape from the 9-5 is not just about breaking away from the traditional career path; it’s a strategic decision that, with thoughtful planning, can positively impact your financial and mental well-being. Remember your WHY, stay committed to your goals, and explore alternative paths to find professional and personal fulfillment. Success is attainable, and you are your best supporter on this journey.
I will end this one with another one of my many favorite quotes from the book, The 4-Hour Work Week. If you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, I highly recommend doing so. It will further solidify your decision to embark on the journey to escape the 9-5.
“It’s too big a world to spend most of life in a cubicle”
TIMOTHY FERRISS
As always, don’t be a stranger! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback is always greatly appreciated. Bye for now!
In this post, you read all about how to successfully escape the 9-5 trap.
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