There is much more to the world of work than just the regular 9–5 job, especially with the breakthrough in technology. Other work options, such as freelancing, entrepreneurship, and remote jobs, among others, are now thriving. 9–5 jobs are now seen as the enemy, keeping people from thriving.
But is a 9–5 job really that bad? Would the world be a better place without these jobs? In this article, I am going to discuss how 9–5 jobs could be a blessing or a curse.
9-5 Job: A Blessing
1. reduces the rate of unemployment
9–5 jobs create job opportunities for fresh-out graduates and people who do not have a means of starting their own businesses or have the necessary skill set for a more flexible job. With the high number of graduates produced by institutions, you can imagine the chaos it will cause for 9–5 jobs to be taken down.These jobs reduce unemployment to some extent.
2. It comes with a form of security
Knowing that your paycheck arrives monthly or weekly brings a certain kind of confidence. This factor, however, can be disrupted by issues such as the laying off of employees or the inability to pay employees.
3. It serves as a foundation
When you have no money to start your own business or learn a particular skill, you can leverage a 9–5 job to save up for the capital you need. Sometimes, the experience gathered from the work will sustain you as an entrepreneur or in any other field you decide to work in. You can also save up money to make investments if you’re earning a good salary.
4. It comes with work benefits
Some companies provide certain benefits like health insurance, life insurance, housing, and retirement savings plans.
9-5 Job: A Curse
1. Entrepreneurial roadblock
You can be so relaxed on the job that the innovative ideas inside of you might die. These jobs create comfort zones that some people find difficult to leave; hence they do not impact their world the way they’re supposed to.
2. Exploitation
Some of these jobs can be a means of exploiting employees. Working so hard without proper acknowledgement, doing extra work without benefits, and being made to work more than necessary are some of the ways employers exploit their employees.
3. You can be laid off at anytime
Working at a 9–5 job brings the risk of being dismissed at any time. More flexible jobs can allow you to keep multiple jobs, enabling you to still earn even when one employer withdraws. Also, you cannot be dismissed if you’re your own boss.
4. Lack of flexible work hours
9–5 does not offer flexible work hours. You must be on your desk during your work hours, unless you’re on shift or leave.
Tips for winning at your 9-5 job
- Find the best 9–5 job you can.
- Have a plan. Whether it is to save to invest, save to start up your own business, or gather the necessary experience and exposure.
- Make the most of your time while at it. Don’t sulk and complain all the way. Learn what you can. Cheerfulness makes the journey easier.
- Know when to quit. Whether you’ve gathered enough money, enough experience, or you’re overwhelmed, know when to quit.
Conclusion
9–5 jobs can be both a curse and a blessing, depending on the approach. There are times when these jobs act as shields for people until they can find their feet or have something planned out. These jobs give people the opportunity to work with masterminds and gain critical knowledge.
In my opinion, 9–5 jobs are a blessing. However, it depends on how favourable the job is, what you want to achieve, and how you are working towards it.
