Growing up, my Dad worked a 9-5 job while my mom worked as an entrepreneur with her own hair salon. In my childhood, I was able to see the pros and cons of each work style. From the time I entered college until this year I had inconsistent short term internships/jobs but now I have transitioned to a full time job with 9-5 hours and I couldn’t be more happy.
There is this overwhelming narrative out there that every Millennial wants to quit their 9 to 5 to travel the world. Well here I am a true Millennial living my best life eating an apple avocado and toast and I don’t want to quite my 9-5 to travel the world full-time.
A big reason is because I’ve already experienced my version of the nomadic life. From the time I was 18 to 26 years old I have moved for a variety of reasons: college, study abroad programs, and my time as Americorps VISTA. I lived in a new building every year in those times in cities from D.C. to Tampa to Houston. So much I wrote a blog post about moving and its ugly process. Often times the nomadic lifestyle is glamorized but the excitement wore off real quick for me.
When I moved to Minneapolis to pursue my masters degree, I stayed in the same apartment for two years. I was determined not to move until I completed my 2 year program. So we took our decision to move back to Tampa after graduation very seriously. Our moving has ended here which mean, if my calculations are right, I would have lasted only 7 years traveling full-time. That’s not a very long prosperous career.
Like most Millennials I dreaded the scary big monster that is the 9 to 5 job. I was focused on all the negative things that I forgot there are positive things too. For instance, a 9 to 5 job provides financial stability. This financial stability can lead to less stress and less of a survival mode mindset. Not being in survival mode allows me more time to think and let myself explore opportunities and ideas.
I feel confident even to brainstorm ideas to encourage people to take on a zerowaste and minimalist lifestyle, develop digital products, and plan local sustainable fashion events. I have felt the most comfortable in growing my platforms for A.Y.O. when I knew I had more financial security.
At least for me a 9 to 5 job makes me feel comfortable to be creative instead of feeling forced into creativity. I don’t want to quite my 9 to 5 because I am blessed to like my job and look forward to growing in my role.
I love to travel exploring new places and people BUT that doesn’t mean I want to quit my job and travel all the time. For now, I just plan to create a lifestyle that can balance both a 9-5 job and traveling.
All that to say, I understand a 9 to 5 job isn’t for everyone but neither is a whole generation quitting their jobs to be become full-time travelers.
Outfit: Scarf- Thrifted | Black Blouse- Clothes Swap
What kind of person are you: 9-5 job or full-time traveler?
Maybe it isn’t as simple as either freelancing vs. a 9-5 job, and the more important thing is spending your time doing something you enjoy. You seem to like what you do, I’d say that is very different to someone who feels like they are in some pointless corporate job, just to pay the bills.
That’s a good point. It’s important to look at the work itself and how you feel about what you’re doing. Yes working a pointless job is hard to stay in long term.