Your Job is Not the Problem

Briandito Priambodo

Oct 23, 2023 • 3 min read

Have you ever come across opinions that criticize the traditional 9-to-5 job? While it's true that a stable job has its drawbacks, it also provides a sense of security, especially if you have a family to support.

It's common for some people to not acknowledge their privilege, like their family background, place of birth, and connections, while giving such advice to achieve their goals. Meanwhile, many of us must support our parents, siblings, and relatives while building our own families. On top of that, we have to balance our work and personal lives to achieve our goals and aspirations.

We can't just say fuck it and use our life savings for our entrepreneurship adventure or to travel the world for a whole year. Maybe we can if we want to, but we'll sacrifice the livelihood of those who depend on us. We don't enjoy being sandwiched, but it is what it is – we can't just leave our jobs.

If you can relate to this story so far, here's what you can do to achieve your dreams while keeping your nine-to-five job.

Financial Stability: The Unsung Hero of 9-to-5 Jobs

After five years in a steady job, I realised I couldn't afford to chase my entrepreneurial dreams. Or any other dreams. My family needs me, and my job provides the financial security they require.

I realise it's best to focus on your job until you have a decent salary to spend without worrying too much. It took me seven years to reach a point where I felt financially comfortable enough to consider other options, such as investments or starting a new business.

If you're in a similar situation and haven't reached that comfort level yet, you might want to consider changing your ways of doing things. The answer could be a new job, a promotion, or a career shift. You can't expect a different outcome if you keep doing the same thing.

You can't expect a different outcome if you keep doing the same thing.

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Tip: It's not going to be easy, but it is not impossible. I went through a year-long job search process overseas until I finally landed a job in another country that tripled my salary. Life became much easier after that one year of sacrifice and hard work.

Your Job Can Be a Stepping Stone

In 2022, I started a platform that helps people ace job interviews. How did I finance it? Through my nine-to-five income. I can only do that with the help of my job as the foundation.

This may not be the super cool tech startup I dreamed of in my 20s, but this is profitable enough for me to keep it going. It's also fun, and I get to meet a lot of interesting people. My job was able to support this business's initial cost.

If I were to start this business in 2015 as a fresh grad, I wouldn't be able to. I didn't have the money and the experience to start this business. Even if I were to start this business in 2020, it's gonna be the same. I didn't have the money, only the experience.

This business will only work if I start it at the right time when I have enough money to splurge on something experimental without disrupting my financial situation while also having the experience to create and build a business.

My job was a privilege I didn't have. It took seven years to be able to get this privilege. The 7-year-long experience as an employee was a process that needs to happen.

My job was a privilege I didn't have.

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Takeaway: Timing matters. Start a new venture when you have both the financial cushion and the experience to make it successful. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spend time learning, exploring, and improving step by step.

You Are More Than Your Job

Remember, a job is just one aspect of your life. You have multiple interests and talents that go beyond your daily work. Having a job does not mean you must stick with that identity for your whole life.

You define who you are.

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Question to Consider: Who are you outside of work? Take some time to think about this, as it can guide you toward a more satisfying and well-rounded life. To build a life outside of work.

In conclusion, we should remember that a traditional 9-to-5 job provides stability and can be a stepping stone towards achieving our goals.

It's important to acknowledge that our jobs are just one aspect of our lives and don't define us entirely. We should also explore our other interests and talents outside work to create a more fulfilling and well-rounded life.

Don't feel bad about being an employee. At the very least, your job supports the life that you want to create.

I hope you find this post inspiring. Remember:

It's not going to be easy, but it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian