I am a big podcast listener because there are so many shows out there that are full of inspiration, funny stories, and therapeutic topics. However, I have noticed a trend lately that I wanted to talk about (and quite frankly, I wish more people talked about), and that is the reputation of a 9-5 job. Many podcasters are “entrepreneurs” in one way or another (many are self-made content creators and bloggers), which is no doubt impressive and sounds like a fun career, but for some reason, there is no corporate America representation in the podcast world!! Full-time jobs are often unappreciated in a lot of these witty episodes, and I wish it was different.
The thing is, having a stable job is one of the most splendid aspects of my life. I chose the committed route of graduating from college, going to grad school, getting licensure, and entering the corporate world, and honestly, I have never looked back. I am fully aware that this sequence of events is the “traditional route” and is often seen as the less risky way of finding a career path, but is that really a bad thing? Should I feel shame for not wanting to “work for myself”? To each their own, but I feel accomplished. Being a qualified working professional in 2022 has brought me peace, financial stability, and a blissful LIFE outside of work!
See, the thing is, most entrepreneurs work 24/7. So I guess they sort of have flexibility, but is it worth being stressed out all the time and not really knowing how much your next paycheck will be? To some, absolutely, because they are often geniuses who make a killing and can change the world with their business ideas. However, for Virgos like myself, we need a little more structure. Knowing exactly how much I make every two weeks, what my work hours look like every single day, and getting all the time off I want is ultimately worth the reputation of being seen as a little more conventional.
In my eyes, I actually have more flexibility than many of those who are grinding to work for themselves. And although I can’t brag about having my own business (because no one can take away the fact that owning a company is badass), I don’t really care. I have every night and weekend off, as well as holidays and paid time off, and I don’t have to think about my job at all during that time. It’s an unrivaled combination because I work hard from 9-5 on weekdays, which funds the rest of my fun-filled life. (Plus, this lifestyle is pretty ideal for family life, too, especially when kids are involved).
I really just want there to be more people out there supporting the established corporate positions instead of putting them down, because we each have our own desires and needs. For many of us, this means being hired by a brilliant company, working with people we enjoy, getting ultimate satisfaction from the work we do, and having a life completely separate from our day-to-day jobs. I am a 9-5 girly, and I am proud!!
Eliza
Eliza Shippen 