Alternative Realities – 5 Alternatives To The 9-5 Lifestyle That Are Worth Considering
The idea of quitting the 9-5 grind in pursuit of endless adventure is a dream for many. If you’re thinking of ditching your soul-crushing job for something more exciting and relevant to your talents, you might want to consider the following alternative lifestyles.
- Start an Online Business
While exchanging time for money can buy you a good lifestyle, it can also rob you of the opportunity to do the things you truly love. The good news is, the internet offers a number of solutions that can give you both time and location freedom.
Once you sift through the get rich quick schemes and scammy programs, there are many unique business models that offer a sustainable alternative (eCommerce and affiliate marketing being two of the most profitable).
In addition to low start-up costs, most online businesses are simple to operate with a laptop and internet access. If you happen to outgrow the home office, serviced office suites are available to hold meetings and provide an affordable change of pace.
- Join the FIRE Movement
The FIRE movement stands for Financial Independence to Retire Early, and it’s aimed at individuals who are looking to take control of their lives and finances. We’re living at a time when safety nets are disappearing, corporations are promising less and less, and fewer jobs offer pensions or paid retirement anymore.
The FIRE movement posits that with very strict budgeting and extreme measures to reduce expenses, it’s possible to quit stressful jobs and enjoy a fulfilling life. Having accessed all this free time, you can spend your best years pursuing passion projects, from writing a book, starting a blog, or traveling the world.
The key to success with the FIRE movement is to be mindful of your spending and cut out extra expenses that don’t bring you happiness. Focus on increasing your take-home pay every year, and when you do get pay raises, don’t spend the new money you’re earning. Instead, put it into savings and investments and you’ll get closer to early retirement each year.
- Try The Nomadic Lifestyle
The thing about a vocation is that it affects your entire lifestyle, including your location, your mindset, your circle of friends, your diet, and even the time you spend in traffic.
If you find yourself daydreaming about ocean waves and sombreros while at work, then you might want to consider becoming a nomad. The great thing about the nomadic lifestyle is that you can leverage your existing skills to make a living while traveling the world.
Nomads have been known to take up unique vocations, from harvesting strawberries and bartending, to being lifeguards and scuba diving instructors.
- Get Paid to Travel
If you have a social media account, then you’ll be familiar with travel influencers who get paid to travel the world. All you need to get started as a travel influencer is a large and loyal social media following and a penchant for taking aesthetically pleasing pictures, and an understanding of how to monetize your photography and social media presence.
Though international travel was halted due to COVID-19, there are still opportunities in the local tourism sector of most countries, and companies are doubling down on digital marketing as a way to stay relevant.
- Become a Digital Nomad
Unlike regular nomads, digital nomads work for themselves, running successful online businesses or consulting practices on the go.
They’re innovative movers and shakers who seek greener pastures past the traditional 9 to 5 lifestyle, and they want to get the most out of their best years before they settle in any one place.
Which of these 9-5 alternatives is calling your name?
