Seeing "Work" in a Different Lens

At some point in 2023, I was hyper-fixated on quitting my job and starting my own business. I even sent it as a newsletter issue a couple of months ago.

However, after three months of doing so, I decided to cut short my entrepreneurial journey and get back to being a 9-5 employee. It didn't work out for me.

Here's why:

Initially, I felt excited and motivated to start something new and quit my job.

The major inspirations were the internet solopreneurs who quit their 9-5 jobs and started their own businesses. Their stories and advice fueled my fire and made me want to start a new life. I got inspired by them, and I wanted to be like them.

However, along the way, I can't help but think that much of their advice was unrealistic and not applicable to everyone. It definitely isn't realistic for me.

The reason is that most of these people don't have to worry about financial stability. They have enough savings to invest in their new business, and they most likely have a safety net to fall back on in case of failure.

It might might also be the opposite. They have nothing to lose anymore and are desperate enough to take the risk for the possibility of higher returns. It's all or nothing for them.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a safety net or savings or is in a "nothing to lose" situation. Leaving the stability of a 9 to 5 job is not a one-size-fits-all advice.

For me, the biggest deal breaker was the amount of stress that I had to handle. On one hand, I am struggling, racking my brains out about how to generate more income as a solopreneur. On the other, I am worried about the livelihood of my parents and relatives who depend on me.

For weeks, I was constantly thinking about only these two things, and it became very stressful. So, in the end, I decided to get back into the job market and find a job. It was not a good experience. At least I tried.

...Or maybe I'm just making excuses. I also don't know, to be honest.

What's good about being an employee?

I used to feel little whenever these business influencers said that I was just trading time for money while they had the freedom to do whatever they wanted while making thousands of dollars at home.

I agree with that way of thinking to some extent, but I also think that it's not entirely true. Now, back in the workforce, I realised that there were things I took for granted as an employee.

Sure, I'm trading my time for money, and I don't have the freedom to do whatever I want. But in exchange, that provides ease of mind to provide for my family, pay the rent, save for my future, and focus on enjoying life. Many of my lifetime friends were made in the office, too.

I think being an employee isn't the best, but it turns out this life is not that bad at all.

Lessons learned

Similarly, my way of thinking is also not a one-size-fits-all. I chose to be realistic, while others would choose to be optimistic, or maybe there are other ways too.

But, in the end, there is no right or wrong way of living. As long as you can enjoy the life you're living and be proud of how you live your life.

Lastly, what I learned last year in my first entrepreneurship journey is to dream big but keep it realistic.

I'll keep dreaming and working towards this dream that one day, I'll have the financial freedom to choose what I do for a living. But, I am not ashamed to say that working in a 9-5 job would be the best for me, at least for now.

We'll see.

I hope you find this inspiring. Remember:

It's not going to be easy
But it's not impossible

Your friend,
Brian