Five Eye-Opening Lessons From Leaving My 9-to-5 Job Behind
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Chapter 1: Defining Freedom
What does freedom signify for you?
For some, it represents the chance to dedicate themselves to passion projects without the burden of financial stress.
For others, it might mean having enough funds to explore the globe, start a family, purchase a home, or indulge loved ones in a month-long getaway.
This yearning for greater autonomy in life often pushes us to increase our earnings. After all, more money typically equates to more freedom, right? Well, not necessarily.
Many individuals possess substantial wealth but also bear significant responsibilities, limiting their ability to act freely.
Since 2015, I have been fully self-employed, transitioning from a 9-to-5 position at an IT research firm in London.
Upon leaving that job, I still carried student debt and had only a few thousand to my name. By 2019, however, my business had generated enough income for me to attain financial independence.
Allow me to share the most profound lessons I gleaned from that experience—many of which caught me off guard.
Section 1.1: The Limits of Specialized Skills
- Your professional expertise is not sufficient.
Regardless of your proficiency in your current role, it is crucial to acquire a diverse range of income-generating skills, such as persuasion, writing, public speaking, leadership, decision-making, and accounting.
Yes, you read that right—accounting!
To achieve true independence and financial freedom, you must be versatile. This is an aspect that many overlook or choose to ignore.
“I prefer to be a specialist!” Well, my friend, you need to embrace both pathways. Otherwise, genuine independence remains elusive.
Section 1.2: Harnessing Time to Your Advantage
- Time should be your ally more than you realize.
Many people chase hacks or shortcuts to achieve their objectives as swiftly as possible, which is a natural inclination.
While I advocate for finding efficient methods, such as utilizing tools or delegating tasks, it's important not to rush the process.
Developing a successful career is a marathon, not a sprint.
If you aspire to create content full-time—be it through writing or vlogging—pursue it, but be prepared for a gradual progression.
While some achieve rapid success, most of us must exercise patience.
For instance, I have been writing almost daily since 2015, producing over 500 articles and preparing to release my first traditionally published book in February 2024—nearly nine years after I began.
How do you turn time into an ally? Through consistency.
If you aim to be a vlogger or writer, commit to a specific quantity and quality of content over a sustained period.
If your goal is to grow your business, set targets for pitching prospects or selling products.
Time amplifies your efforts when you're consistent.
Chapter 2: Navigating Loneliness in Self-Employment
- Establishing a foundation to combat loneliness is essential.
Working independently means you must rely on your own motivation.
There won’t be anyone to nudge you out of bed on days when your drive is lacking, nor will there be workplace camaraderie to foster new connections.
Self-motivation is critical for achieving freedom.
This is why many who grumble about their employers choose to remain: they struggle to motivate themselves to chase their dreams and often lack clarity about what they truly desire.
Don’t fall into that trap.
As you build towards full-time self-employment, remember that your success relies not only on your efforts but also on your support network, including friends, colleagues, and business partners.
As an introverted writer, I often prefer solitude, but I also value collaboration with others, whether it’s a research assistant, editor, or fellow writer to bounce ideas off.
Everyone benefits from a solid support system, both professionally and personally, so prioritize building that network.
Section 2.1: The Myth of Busyness
- Effective time management often involves doing less.
There’s a common perception of successful individuals as being perpetually busy, juggling multiple meetings and obligations.
However, my observations suggest that many truly happy and successful people lead less hectic lives.
Take Mohnish Pabrai, an American-Indian fund manager with a portfolio valued at approximately $637 million as of May 2023.
He intentionally keeps his calendar clear, a practice he adopted from Warren Buffett, allowing him to devote time to reading and analyzing potential investments.
He fills his days with minimal meetings and phone calls, enabling him to focus on what truly matters—living fully and studying companies that pique his interest.
This reminds me of a quote from philosopher Blaise Pascal:
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
Successful individuals excel at time management by eliminating non-essential tasks and concentrating on what truly matters.
P.S. If you’re self-employed, consider investing in the stock market for wealth accumulation. My course, Simple Investing, outlines my approach to doing just that.
Section 2.2: Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool
- Do you know how to accept failure?
In C.S. Lewis’ book, The Horse and His Boy, a horse asks a boy if he knows how to ride. The boy admits he doesn’t. The horse then inquires, “If you can’t ride, can you fall?”
“I suppose anyone can fall,” the boy replies.
The horse counters: “I mean, can you fall, get back up without crying, mount again, and fall again, all without fearing the fall?”
Too many people abandon their aspirations due to an aversion to failure.
Individuals who invest and lose become fearful of the stock market and shy away from it forever.
Entrepreneurs who encounter setbacks in their businesses grow discouraged, while freelancers who face rejection often quit altogether.
Yet, losing is an integral part of the journey.
We all make mistakes and experience misfortune. Understanding how to leverage loss increases your likelihood of persevering and eventually realizing your goals.
Conclusion: The Reward of Freedom
Achieving freedom is not for the faint-hearted; it demands hard work, commitment, and the courage to confront challenges directly.
Nevertheless, the journey to fulfilling your personal ambitions and attaining freedom is well worth the effort.
Even if it requires time, the process of building something from the ground up, making a positive impact, and transforming your dreams into reality brings a sense of fulfillment that makes all the hard work worthwhile.