Some people have this misconception that they are wasting time working at a 9 to 5 while they could be pursuing their true passions. I think there needs to be a mentality shift on how we look at working a traditional job. There is a slot of security that a 9 to 5 provides that is not readily available with a click of a mouse as an entrepreneur. Below, I outline the ways on how to make your 9 to 5 work for you and help further your own personal pursuits.

MAXIMIZING PRACTICALLY 

Utilize programs that your jobs offer. This can be offerings like learning how to code, learning more about google suite, etc. Things like this are usually free at certain jobs and are offered to help you excel in your current position. BUT, these programs can also make you a better candidate for another job, OR, help you be more efficient with your side gig.

Use your lunch breaks wisely. Most people get at least an hour lunch break these days, and that’s honestly, a good amount of time to get things done. In addition to eating, you can spend that time doing other things towards your side gig. For me, I use that time to attend an event happening that day. The events usually last about an hour or two anyway and I’ve communicated to my superiors that blogging/influencing is a large part of my life, so it all works out!

MAXIMIZING MONETARILY 

Take advantage of a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HFSA). An HFSA spending account allows money to be taken from your pre-taxed paycheck and deposited into a spending account that you can use towards health expenses such as your co-pay at the doctor’s office and prescriptions, prescription glasses, and a number of other qualified vision, dental, and medical expenses. So if you ever find yourself in a slight medical emergency where you need access to immediate funds, you have them readily available.

Build up your retirement. If you work a job that offers benefits, then you are most definitely in a great position. Having things like a 401k is important to me because when I am older, I want to have the comfort of knowing that I have something to fall back on. If your job doesn’t offer benefits or you are freelance/part time, I STRONGLY encourage you to seek out alternatives to where you can start adding to your retirement, including*:

• SIMPLE IRA: This plan is designed specifically for small businesses and self-employed individuals
• Solo 401(k): If you own a business and are also married, this option is great for you, as you are able to contribute as much as 25% of compensation
• SEP IRA: This is a more simplified approach to set aside pretax savings. You are able to contribute as much as  25 percent of your net self-employment income.

*research done on Forbes site. Please expand on these tips as you see fit to find a plan that best works for you

Those are my current ways on how to make you 9 to 5 work for you. Working a traditional job is not the end of the world. It’s the reality for majority of people in this country and it most definitely does not make you any less of a person. If you truly do enjoy working in a traditional setting, OWN IT! If you are making or wanting to make the transition from traditional to more freelance, then I hope you find these tips useful!

Until next time…