How do I stop dreading 9 to 5 jobs?

Question

I don't hate working from 9 to 5 per se, I just hate the meaninglessness of most of these jobs and being unable to be in control of my time. I am only passionate about things which are not as marketable, such as painting. Some people love my paintings, but only very very few. I make no money from painting. People say that I should put up with my job and paint in my free time, but I don't have much creative energy left after my job sucks life out of me. I am also doing a master's in the meantime, for the uncertain possibility of getting a more stable 9 to 5, so I am burnt out anyway.

IslaTheWitch · Accepted Answer

1. find something you really like to do
2. find a job where you can use your interests

Work wasn't invented to make your life harder. If you have no money to invest you have to work. There is a saying in Polish, "do what you love, and you won't work even one day in your life". This was also something my parents have been telling me all the time. Do what you love and do it the best possible way.

I know what I don't like. I don't like crowds, interactions with people, unpredictable environments. So, I decided on software engineering. I have liked programming since high school (old good times with Logo and turtle, lol).

For me, the best decision. I'm officially a 9-5 worker, but I mostly start at 6 am and finish about 3 pm. Then, I do some mentoring sessions with interns from our company or just people who want to try their luck in software engineering or just focus on my life :). Sometimes, I take a huge break during the day and finish in the late evening. And sometimes I'm lazy and start much later... The beautiful part is that no one cares. We are free to choose the place of work (office, hybrid, home), and no one cares when exactly I do my job as long as I meet deadlines :D

Choose wisely how and where you want to spend 1/3 of your life for the next 40 or 50 years.

LazerBean · Accepted Answer

Maybe starve for a week or two, and then see if the thought of being responsible and having money until you get a more long term job sounds more appealing.

Oliverlogan263 · Accepted Answer

Aw man, I feel ya bro. Having a boring 9-5 job that doesn't make you feel happy sounds like the worst. I'm all about having fun and doing stuff I enjoy, not being stuck somewhere I hate all day.

A few thoughts - First off, maybe try and find a 9-5 job that at least interests you a little more? Even if it's not your dream, something that doesn't totally drain you each day helps. Could you do something part-time that gives you more freedom for painting? Or maybe look at jobs that are a little less hours so you have more spare time.

As for the painting, keep at it man! If people like your stuff already, maybe try selling online or at local art fairs on weekends. Every little bit helps. Also, don't give up the master's - that better stable job could be worth it long run even if it's a grind now.

Main thing is, do what you can to balance work that pays bills with time for your real passion. Might take some trying different things, but you'll figure it out bro. And remember, this boring work stuff is only temporary - you gotta live for weekends and time off to do what you really want! Hang in there.

exitseven · Accepted Answer

Work is supposed to suck. That's why they call it work. Why do you think that people have to be paid to do it?

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Make a plan to work for the next 24 months and live as cheap as you possibly can to save enough money then quit work your bs 9 to 5 and focus on your paintings to built something from there.

NathanDavis · Answer

start your own business

How do I stop dreading 9 to 5 jobs?

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