Much of the American workforce operates on a similar schedule. Ever since the 9-5 schedule went mainstream in the 1920s due to Henry Ford, this workplace rhythm has dominated the operations of thousands of businesses. The entire working calendar for most industries operates around this idea of business hours. Even 24/7 brands that exist online have elements that are connected to regular business hours, such as customer service or IT.
Maybe you are a working professional who has had 9-5 roles for years. Perhaps you are getting tired of this routine and have started feeling major burnout as a result. Sometimes, a new career may be enough to satisfy you. Sometimes, a new way of operating as a worker is a better solution.
If you are tired of your 9-5 lifestyle and would like to change things up while still earning an income, then you should consider some of the following money-making ventures that do not conform to the typical 9-5 schedule.
Buy A Business For Sale
Owning a business is a much different level of responsibility. Most 9-5 positions have you reporting to a manager or executive directly. When you own a business, there is no one to report to except maybe shareholders or a board of directors. Your decisions impact the direction of the company. Since you are at the head of the company, you can work whatever schedule you like. However, you should know that business ownership often requires long hours. For example, there is a ton of work to be done if you own a restaurant, and this will likely require working beyond eight hours a day some days.
Start A New Company
If you do not have the money to buy a business, maybe it is time to start your own venture. If you have a passion for a particular product or service and think you have the experience needed to run a company yourself, it can be a very rewarding adventure. The problem is that new business owners often make little to no money in the early days of their companies. Maybe you should stick around your 9-5 as you build the business on the side until it is functional enough to make the switch to full-time ownership. Or, if you have enough money saved up to keep you afloat for a while, the transition could be made sooner. However, if you are starting a business just to start a business and not because you have a great idea that you care about, it may be doomed to fail.
Real Estate Investment
Real estate is a huge industry that presents tons of opportunities to make money. You could invest in rental properties to earn income from tenants. Perhaps you could turn the property that you own into an Airbnb. If you know all about home improvement, you could tackle the real estate BRRRR method, where you buy distressed properties, fix them up, rent them out, refinance them, and then start again with another property. Real estate investment can require different levels of effort, so it depends on your interests and current cash reserves. Either way, it won’t feel like a 9-5 anymore.Â
Become A Freelancer
Typical 9-5 jobs usually occur at one company. Perhaps you have a unique skill that you want to offer to multiple clients that will pay you for your services. The growth of freelancing has expanded in recent years, especially as the remote workforce has grown. As a freelancer, you can make your schedule and choose your clients. Some common freelance roles include content writers, personal assistants, web designers, videographers, photographers, and data entry clerks.
Learn A Trade
Trade skills are in high demand. Plumbers, electricians, mechanics, landscapers, roofers, and other skilled disciplines often do not require a four-year degree, which is a huge focus for children during their educational paths. Many of them don’t even realize that a career in the trades can occur in a shorter timeframe and result in a reliable job sooner. If you have been in the workforce for a while, learning a trade can be a great way to switch to a new type of job that is based on projects rather than the same eight hours each day.
There Are Many Paths To Financial Success
Although a large portion of the job market is built around the 9-5 infrastructure, that does not mean that there are few opportunities outside of it. The examples listed above are just a small picture of the types of careers you can have that circumvent the norm. Business ownership, either through a purchase or by creating your own brand, is certainly not as formulaic from day to day. Real estate investment is a great way to generate wealth whether you have a ton of resources to spare or not. Additionally, becoming a freelancer or contractor will also give you a new model of working to tackle. If you take the time to look, you will find plenty of ways to make money if you are sick of your 9-5 lifestyle.
