# Embracing a 9-to-5 Life: The Value of Stability Over Hustle
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Chapter 1: A Personal Journey
In the midst of the pandemic, I discovered the world of self-improvement as a 19-year-old still living at home. It was September 2020 when I seriously considered leaving college. I was influenced by numerous stories of successful entrepreneurs who had no degrees, who had abandoned traditional career paths to carve their own niches. It sounded thrilling, right?
Yet, at 19, I was still figuring out who I was. I lacked solid values and was unaware of my strengths and triggers. If I had chosen to leave school, I might have ended up pursuing a dropshipping venture, day trading, or one of the many enticing schemes I saw on TikTok.
What prompted my desire to drop out? The pursuit of success. I was certain I didn’t want to be stuck working for someone else for the rest of my life. TikTok seemed to suggest that the solution lay in escaping the dreary cubicle existence for an exhilarating lifestyle of working from bed, promising six-figure incomes without requiring any special skills.
The thought of repeating the same daily routine forever filled me with dread. However, abandoning my hard-earned position at a reputable university and missing out on valuable experiences with friends was not a viable alternative.
Fast forward five years: I completed my undergraduate studies and went on to earn a master’s degree. Now, I find myself earning more in a corporate role than I ever could have through a flashy hustle back in 2020. It's not that entrepreneurs can't achieve remarkable financial success; that’s a given. But, over time, I came to realize that entrepreneurship was not my calling.
This realization often invites criticism from self-proclaimed gurus, who might claim I lack the grit to hustle or fear judgment for sticking to a conventional job. Yet, why should I feel guilty for enjoying early mornings, gym sessions, and time spent with friends—most of whom also work 9-to-5 jobs—while having the security of a steady paycheck and benefits?
I find little value in dropshipping or trading stocks. I don’t believe the world would come to a halt if the market dipped. The chaotic life of an entrepreneur is not what I seek; I thrive on structure and routine, meticulously organizing my schedule on Google Calendar.
Though freelancing might allow me to plan my days, I know I would struggle to hold myself accountable. Instead, having shorter, defined periods for socializing or working out gives those moments deeper meaning. I relish my daily routine of hitting the gym, preparing for work, answering emails, writing code, and enjoying dinners with friends at new spots in Manhattan.
I embrace my role within the corporate landscape and appreciate the stability it provides.
Section 1.1: Misconceptions About 9-to-5 Jobs
Many people harbor two prevalent misconceptions about 9-to-5 jobs: that they are monotonous and stifle personal growth, and that workers lack control over their own time.
To tackle the first misconception, it’s important to note that ongoing learning is a personal responsibility, regardless of whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee. I learn something new every day; when I feel stagnant at work, I seek growth in other areas. Ironically, my passion for learning has surged since I started my 9-to-5.
I’ve dived into historical fiction and memoirs alongside my usual self-help and fantasy reads. Writing on Medium has also become a structured outlet for my thoughts, where I advocate for responsible consumption and encourage others to reduce their social media usage.
Section 1.2: The Control We Actually Have
The second common myth is that 9-to-5 workers are powerless when it comes to their time and lives. While this may hold true for individuals in highly demanding roles, it does not reflect the reality for most employees.
I have the flexibility to work remotely two days a week. Going to the office allows me to express myself through my attire while reaping the benefits of a steady paycheck that arrives like clockwork every two weeks. I'm fortunate to have a supportive manager, team, and workplace, making my days engaging and productive as I juggle various projects and collaborate with different teams.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing on Medium, exploring the city’s culinary offerings, playing Catan, and occasionally joining my roommate for a night out in the West Village.
Reflecting on my 19-year-old self, I imagine she would be shocked at how much I value routine, and I would share her distaste for the freelance lifestyle. Many freelancers I meet are deeply passionate about their work, which I admire.
While I won’t claim that debugging code or analyzing spreadsheets ignites my passion, I genuinely appreciate my job. I enjoy my life within the 9-to-5 framework, and I have no desire to become an entrepreneur.
And it’s perfectly okay if you feel the same way.
Chapter 2: The Value of Routine and Stability
In the video "Is It Wrong That I Don't Want to be an Entrepreneur?" the speaker addresses the common fears and misconceptions surrounding conventional employment versus entrepreneurship. They emphasize that choosing a stable career path does not equate to failure.
The second video, "You Don't Need To Be An Entrepreneur To Become Rich," underscores the idea that financial success can be achieved through various means, not just entrepreneurship. It reinforces the message that fulfillment can also come from stable employment.