9-5 Or Freelance- Your Own Business? That Is The Question?

You work really hard for years at a company.

You have given your all.

You give better than your best.

You truly believe in your company and your own mission statement.

Your passion is high.

Yet you have different dream.

Just like that, you wake up one day, the spark and passion at your full time employed job, your 9-5 work, is gone.

If you know this feeling, keep reading.

If you think this will resonate with you. Keep reading.

Everyone else. Keep reading!

Dream Big. Make A Plan. Set Your Goals" - Jo Rothchild

Full Time Employment - Aka 9-5

I don't know about you, for me it was always important to work in a long term position.

In my career years, I've had a couple of jobs, where I worked a few months in companies doing short term sales, fundraising and customer service. Those few months were great, yet not the same as the consistent years, I spent working at the same company, 9-5 daily.

Those years, working full time, I grew. I strengthened my knowledge. I learnt a ton. Met new people. Learnt from fellow colleagues. I found over the longer period of time in one company, my growth was substantial in comparison to my shorter stunts in part time jobs where there wasn't really anywhere to grow to.

9-5 was never 9-5

When I was the sales manager of two incredible teams, I spent hours and hours at the office, long before and past the shift requirement times.

The shift started at 3pm, so I arrived at 1pm. I needed two hours to prepare myself, drink coffee, read emails, plan accordingly.

Much like a teacher who prepares the next day lessons the night before or the builder who buys the materials in advance before the project begins. Shift ended at 11pm with a new shift coming until the early hours and somehow I was always at the office!

Overtime was never a thing. I mean, I probably could have requested a change in terms and conditions of the job, however the salary was already great and most importantly I loved what I did. Passion took over.

Years later, when I worked as a registration manager, providing travel trips to young adults, again there was no real 9-5. I arrived at the office, I worked, I took work home.

Once again, exactly how it should have been, I believed in the office mission statement and my mission statement. I loved what I did. I believed in what I did!

Those years, during peak tourist season, I often worked 10-14 hours a day. Both in and out the office. No real 9-5.

When is the right time for the change?

You wake up randomly one day, you no longer want to head into the office. Your passion and drive are gone. Working for an employer is no longer in your vision.

Your dream is to be a freelancer. Start your own business.

I don't think there is ever an exact right time.

You may be secure in a job, sometimes the security takes over the passion.

We're not built to risk it all.

Quit 9-5 to start a business.

The number of people I have spoken to in the past, the majority continued working their 9-5 job while they "side hustled" building their new business.

I get it, I really do. Job security is vital. Knowing what you have every day, when the next pay check will arrive, being able to provide for yourself and in many cases a family.

Only a handful of people have ever told me that they just quit their 9-5 without thinking it over to open a business.

I started my journey long ago. I set up a business, running it while I continued working 9-5, however like I told you it was never 9-5 and there was never enough time to really build the business.

Without concentrating directly on the business, building a network and connections, building my content and social media, focusing on goals and plans, I wasn't really seeing any new growth, new clients and slowly the business lessened.

The good news!

I never put any money into it! I wasn't loosing financially.

The bad news!

I was loosing out on my dreams and my passion.

Dreams and Passions - Passions and Dreams

Years later, one sunny day, I woke up and decided it was time to put an end to full time employment. It was time to focus on my dreams. Take my passions and create what I loved. I'm a big believer that;

"Life Goes On. Life Is Short. Make The Most Of Your Time. Do what you Love. Love What You Do".

Finally with financial stability backing me up, support from my loved ones, a positive attitude and high energy, I left my 9-5, that same day and I have never looked back!

Turn your passions and dreams around. You'll know when the time is right!

My advice?

First, figure out what is your passion, what is your dream?

What is your WHY?

What do you enjoy and what can you do really well?

Who needs your skills? What problems can you solve?

Do your research and make a plan.

Remember you need to be as flexible as possible.

Live Your Life!

Most of all remember - "Life Goes On. Life Is Short. Make The Most Of Your Time. Do What You Love. Love What You Do" - Jo Rothchild

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