This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Let’s stop criticizing this way of life
Lesson: There is nothing wrong with the desire to work 9–5 jobs the rest of your life – especially if you enjoy your work (the best situation). As long as you’re meeting your financial targets, then you’re on the right path.
Financial Independence Fits Everyone Differently
For a 9–5 er, financially independence could look like this:
I’m showing up for work each day, but if I wanted to, I could easily walk away and not have to work about how I will provide for myself, my family, and my loved ones for the remainder of my life.
I’m showing up for work each day, but I could take a one-year off if I wanted because I have a one-year emergency fund fully stacked and loaded.
My expenses are so low that I am maxing out my ROTH 401k, ROTH IRA, and investing in other ventures.
My investments are earning me stabilized income that is expanding my financial independence.
Allow Your Goals To Determine Your Lifestyle
Some people genuinely hate the 9–5 lifestyle. Then again, in many companies, the 9–5 job has drastically changed. Many can work remotely, choose their hours, pick and choose the meetings they attend, experience more say in how they conduct their lifestyle, and still get paid exceedingly well.
A person should always have multiple sources of income because that is how to safeguard yourself from job loss and losing your primary source of income. But if you don’t want to execute traditional freelance work, find a way to make money via other avenues such as real estate and investing.
Some people are built for the freelance and entrepreneurial lifestyle. Others enjoy the framework the 9–5 gives them. Then you have the in-betweeners who enjoy holding a 9–5 and do the freelancing/entrepreneur route.
What are your goals?
Do you desire more flexibility?
How do you want to earn your income?
Do you want to report to yourself and no one else?
Do you want to be the ultimate determinant of your income?
Do you desire to work in a traditional employment environment?
Whatever your answers are to these questions can help you define the best route for you to take to reach financial independence.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.