A closer look into how to escape the 9 to 5 way of working.
Starting a new year is a great time to wipe the slate clean and start afresh.
The 9 to 5 grind can wear you down. In fact, a 2018 study found that working a 9 to 5 is only the norm for a minority of UK workers (6%), emphasising how outdated 9 to 5 is as a concept.
Since people were forced to work from home in 2020, alternative ways of working have been on the rise, with Forbes describing the 9 to 5 as an ‘antiquated relic from the past’.
If you’re tired of the way in which you’re working, you might be wondering how to escape the 9 to 5 routine.
There are a variety of different methods you can use to escape the 9 to 5. These methods include, but are not limited to:
- Saving for the future
- Setting goals before transitioning to a new role
- Investing in a roaming membership
- Adopting a hybrid working approach with a coworking space
1. Saving For The Future
While it might feel tempting to quit your 9 to 5 straight away because you feel unhappy or dissatisfied in your job, saving for the future is essential for financial stability.
Generally speaking, it’s recommended that you ‘save three to six months' worth of your fixed living expenses before leaving [a job]’, but this can vary depending on your lifestyle.
Saving for the future is important to ensure you’re able to support yourself whilst exploring other options, and also gives you the flexibility to take a little longer should you need it to find a new, rewarding role.
After all, you don’t want to find yourself in a position where you’re forced to take another unsatisfying job just to make ends meet.
2. Setting Goals Before Transitioning To A New Role
If you’re not happy doing what you’re doing, then transitioning to a new role is one of the best ways to escape your 9 to 5.
That said, before you start looking for a new job, you’ll want to consider why you want to escape your 9 to 5, determine what you prioritise, and establish what you wish to gain from a new role.
Perhaps you’re seeking a job that offers alternative methods of working, such as a hybrid approach, or maybe you’re looking for a role that offers flexi-time.
Alternatively, you might want a complete career shift, or to become self employed and start your own business.
Whatever you wish to gain from a new role, setting goals is essential to ensure that you feel satisfied in your new job.
3. Investing In A Roaming Membership
A unique way to escape your 9 to 5 physically is to invest in a roaming membership.
A roaming membership is ideal for anyone self-employed, or that works for a flexible company that allows you to pick and choose where you work.
At Tramshed Tech, our full-time memberships allow for roaming, meaning that you can work from any of our coworking spaces all across South Wales.
Roaming memberships not only allow you to work from different locations but also allow you to see and explore different parts of the world.
As such, roaming memberships are ideal for someone looking to redefine the 9 to 5.
4. Adopting A Hybrid Working Approach With A Coworking Space
Last, but not least, adopting a hybrid working approach with a coworking space is a great way to escape your typical 9 to 5 work week and achieve a better work-life balance.
In fact, hybrid working is becoming much more popular, highlighted by a study that found that ‘more than half (57%) would choose a hybrid work model’.
Although working remotely full-time allows for a lot of flexibility, you often miss out on opportunities that are presented by in-person interactions. Interactions in a coworking space can include networking events, or even just conversing with other like-minded individuals who also share the coworking space.
At Tramshed Tech, hybrid working is possible with one of our coworking space memberships or day passes. Our memberships give you access to multiple benefits depending on the one you choose, such as social events, bookable workspaces, and more.
As such, adopting a hybrid working approach with a coworking space gives you the best of both worlds.
5. Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
For those seeking a truly flexible and dynamic way to escape the 9 to 5, the digital nomad lifestyle may be the answer. This lifestyle allows you to work remotely while traveling the world, blending work and adventure in a way that traditional office jobs simply can’t offer.
With the rise of coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and freelance platforms, more and more people are choosing to take their careers on the road. If you’re looking for freedom and a change of scenery, becoming a digital nomad might be the ultimate escape from the 9 to 5 routine, all while maintaining a stable income.
We are Tramshed Tech: a startup ecosystem home to 50+ companies ranging from pre-revenue start-ups to scaling businesses with 600+ registered members from the digital, creative and tech communities. We’re currently based in Grangetown, Cardiff Central & Newport, and are soon expanding to other sites across South Wales to Barry and Swansea.
If you’re interested in joining us at any of our locations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Written by Jemima Thomas for Tramshed Tech.
