5 ms·

Ask HN: I struggle a lot with the 9-5 work game. What should I do?

I work in the data field (sql+python) and I like my job, that's not the problem. But the idea of working 9-5 in an eternal loop drives me crazy sometimes. I know the alternative: freelancing, but that's easy said than done. Anyone else in the same situation? What's your plans?

bitxbitxbitcoin 4y ago
Save the vast majority of what you earn at your 9-5 and start running calculations on how much you need to save to retire. Check out the leanfire subreddit. The loop doesn’t need to be eternal. Freelancing can quickly become its own loop. Not shooting down that path but visualizing your real exit from a monotony that drives you crazy is what matters right now :).
jstx1 4y ago
Why do you think that freelancing would be any different?
- StrugglingALot 4y ago
  flexibility on executing, less micromanagement, less useless meetings, less useless teams engagement, less lots of useless shit (smalltalk, amenities, etc.)
  - tra3 4y ago
    Have you consulted previously? Searching for clients, marketing, bullshit ego stroking to get a contract, clients not paying on time, or not paying, billing, etc, etc.
  - dam_broke_it 4y ago
    Most freelancing is perm-a-temp with all the acquired baggage :(
hnthrowaway0328 4y ago
Keep the job, reduce any need that is expensive (wife/husband and kids are two of the most expensive ones) and call it a day after 10 years. Then you get enough money to retire or at least get enough knowledge to go indie.
kleer001 4y ago
> the idea of working 9-5 in an eternal loop drives me crazy sometimes If you don't like your job go get a different one. > flexibility on executing, > less micromanagement, > less useless meetings, > less useless teams engagement, > less lots of useless shit (smalltalk, amenities, etc.) If it's really that bad then get a new job.
aruanavekar 4y ago
Why is it a work-game? Is the work/project you are on not giving extended scope for technical and/or business growth? all of my work hours involved a lot of leaning other departments, expanding my knowledge of stakeholders and they roles, and deeper understanding of business growth and vision.
- boredemployee 4y ago
  I only like the coding part, how to solve technical problems, etc. I'm not interested to learn anything about what other people are doing, unfortunately
fiat_fandango 4y ago
Get a different job or take risk an acquire new skills that generate more $$ per hour of your work.

bitxbitxbitcoin 4y ago

Save the vast majority of what you earn at your 9-5 and start running calculations on how much you need to save to retire. Check out the leanfire subreddit. The loop doesn’t need to be eternal. Freelancing can quickly become its own loop. Not shooting down that path but visualizing your real exit from a monotony that drives you crazy is what matters right now :).

jstx1 4y ago

Why do you think that freelancing would be any different?

StrugglingALot 4y ago
flexibility on executing, less micromanagement, less useless meetings, less useless teams engagement, less lots of useless shit (smalltalk, amenities, etc.)
- tra3 4y ago
  Have you consulted previously? Searching for clients, marketing, bullshit ego stroking to get a contract, clients not paying on time, or not paying, billing, etc, etc.
- dam_broke_it 4y ago
  Most freelancing is perm-a-temp with all the acquired baggage :(

hnthrowaway0328 4y ago

Keep the job, reduce any need that is expensive (wife/husband and kids are two of the most expensive ones) and call it a day after 10 years. Then you get enough money to retire or at least get enough knowledge to go indie.

kleer001 4y ago

> the idea of working 9-5 in an eternal loop drives me crazy sometimes If you don't like your job go get a different one. > flexibility on executing, > less micromanagement, > less useless meetings, > less useless teams engagement, > less lots of useless shit (smalltalk, amenities, etc.) If it's really that bad then get a new job.

aruanavekar 4y ago

Why is it a work-game? Is the work/project you are on not giving extended scope for technical and/or business growth? all of my work hours involved a lot of leaning other departments, expanding my knowledge of stakeholders and they roles, and deeper understanding of business growth and vision.

boredemployee 4y ago
I only like the coding part, how to solve technical problems, etc. I'm not interested to learn anything about what other people are doing, unfortunately

fiat_fandango 4y ago

Get a different job or take risk an acquire new skills that generate more $$ per hour of your work.