It has been three days since I started experimenting with a 9-5 job. For the record, I don’t have a 9-5 job and have never been working a 9-5. I enjoy working with freedom and deciding how much I work and make. Sometimes I don’t make much but that’s enough to help me survive day to day. Since I also treat most of my job like hobbies, they are surely making something worth like a hobby. I want to know how much I can make when I stop treating my skills and expertise as a hobby.
The problem when you’re becoming a freelance or independent contractor is that it can get difficult if you are not disciplined. Meanwhile 9-5 offers this structured and scheduled routine. You also get a salary at a certain date of the month for x amount of your work and worth. It sounds good for security but even then people are still wanting to break the 9-5 chain.
From what I recall, some of the people I encountered mentioned they just hate the work and not living up to their potential. They also hate how it is monotonous and tedious. But there are others who enjoy the 9-5 because Checkout mentality. Meaning they want to get a salary so they’re able to shop their favorite items or things they always wanted to buy. Sure, there are other reasons for this but mostly it’s all about financial security. But are they truly financially secure?
Anyhow, from my experience, the first two days I failed. The first day I managed to show up to my imaginary 9-5 job but I wandered off after 40 minutes working due groceries and I was distracted. The second day, I woke up late and decided to skip the job. I am pretty sure by now, if I have a real boss, they would have fired me. I think the 9-5 life is not easy as it looks. You spend almost 8 hours in the office sitting in a cubicle doing some mundane work. Sometimes you have to deal with customers and only get 30-60 minutes break/day. It’s gruesome. I can’t even sit for 4 hours in the same spot without moving around. Most of my school year, I can never sit still for 2 hours and I would rather spend my time elsewhere than inside the class. Imagine having a 9-5 job where I am required to stay long hours in my spot. The thought of it is just gruesome.
This is my third day of doing this experiment. I managed to show up on time, showered but honestly, I still leave so many thoughts including dirty laundry, dishes, messy room and whether I want to have my morning coffee or tea. Maybe I can do that during the coffee break. But at least, showing up on time and starting working are kicking off my momentum. Who knows I would really enjoy the 9-5 and it helped me train my discipline.
