Why I Don’t Prefer a 9–5 Job
In the blog:
Introduction
I once read a post on the internet that said:
“Nature is busy creating absolutely unique individuals, whereas culture has invented a single mold to which all must conform. It’s grotesque.”
Those words struck me deeply. They reminded me of how our society often glorifies the 9–5 job as the “ideal” path, as if everyone should fit into the same pattern of work and life. But if nature designed us to be unique—different rhythms, talents, and passions—then why must we force ourselves into a mold that was never created for us? To me, the 9–5 lifestyle represents that mold, and here are seven reasons why it doesn’t align with the life I want to live.
1. My Health Comes First
For the past five years, I’ve followed intermittent fasting, and it has become an anchor in my life. My meals—breakfast at 11, lunch at 1, and dinner at 6—are not random timings but a rhythm that keeps me balanced, energized, and mentally sharp. It’s not just about eating at certain hours; it’s about listening to my body and giving it the care it deserves.
A 9–5 job, however, leaves very little space for this balance. Office schedules, long commutes, and rigid lunch breaks would constantly pull me away from this routine. Meals would be rushed, delayed, or replaced with quick fixes. For me, that’s not a small compromise—it’s a disruption of the foundation that allows me to show up as my best self.
2. I Need Meaning in My Work
I’ve always believed that work should feel like more than just a means to survive. For me, it’s about creating and contributing in ways that feel purposeful—whether that’s making videos on mindful living, learning filmmaking, writing thoughtful blogs, or designing content for the internet. These activities don’t just keep me busy; they fulfill me. They allow me to express myself, grow, and make a difference in the lives of others.
But meaning is hard to find in a traditional 9–5 job. Most roles are about completing tasks, meeting deadlines, and following instructions. Creativity doesn’t thrive in environments where autonomy is limited and ideas must fit inside boxes. I can’t imagine spending years doing work that feels detached from my values, when I know how alive I feel when I create with intention.
3. Time for Hobbies and Exploration
Beyond work, I crave the space to nurture my hobbies. Cooking and baking aren’t just activities I do to pass the time—they’re a form of therapy. The joy of kneading dough, the excitement of trying out an international recipe, the happiness of sharing a homemade dish with loved ones—these moments bring me peace and connection. They remind me that life is about simple joys too.
A 9–5 job, with its long hours and draining routine, often leaves little energy for hobbies. Even if time exists, the exhaustion takes away the will to enjoy it. I don’t want to relegate my passions to weekends or holidays. I want them to be a natural part of my everyday life, fueling me just as much as my work does.
4. Being Close to Loved Ones
A simple journaling prompt once asked me: “What would you like people to say at your funeral?” That question made me pause. I realized I wouldn’t want to be remembered for job titles, promotions, or positions I held. I’d rather be remembered as someone who inspired others to live with intention, who shared love through food, who never gave up on her dreams, and who cared deeply for people and the planet.
A 9–5 job often demands distance—whether it’s living in a city far from family or spending more waking hours at the office than at home. For me, that trade-off is too heavy. I value being close to my loved ones, celebrating small moments, and simply being present. Because in the end, those are the memories that truly last.
5. Dependency on Salary
One of the biggest limitations of a 9–5 job is salary dependency. You work, you wait for payday, you plan your entire month around that single deposit. It creates a cycle of dependence where security is tied not to your skills or creativity, but to the government or company’s willingness to employ you.
I want to break free from that cycle. By building skills, exploring multiple income streams, and creating value through meaningful work, I can reduce that dependency. I’d rather put effort into building something of my own that grows with time, than always rely on a paycheck that disappears the moment I stop showing up.
6. The Monotony of Routine
Monotony is another reason I can’t imagine myself in a 9–5. Waking up to the same routine every day—commute, desk, deadlines, meetings, repeat—feels like pressing the same button endlessly. For some, it brings comfort. For me, it feels like losing color in life.
I need variety. I want my days to feel different, alive with creativity and exploration. I want the flexibility to learn something new, try new projects, or simply pause when my mind and body need rest. Monotony may provide predictability, but it often takes away the excitement that makes life worth living.
7. Fear of Regret
More than failure, I fear regret. The regret of looking back years later and realizing I chose comfort over courage. That I ignored my passions because I was too scared to step outside the mold. That I lived a safe life, but not a true one.
Regret is heavier than risk. Even if I stumble, at least I’ll know I tried. At least I’ll know I lived a life aligned with my values, not one dictated by societal expectations. And to me, that’s worth more than the security of a stable job.
Final Thoughts
The 9–5 job may be the right choice for many, but it doesn’t align with the life I want to live. My health, creativity, passions, and relationships matter too much to be compromised for stability alone. Real success, for me, isn’t about fitting into the mold—it’s about shaping a life that feels meaningful and true.
Because at the end of the day, we each have a choice: to conform, or to create. And I choose to create.
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