A guide to breaking up with your 9 to 5

Ah, the infamous 9 to 5. It’s like that relationship we've all had. You know, the one that starts with butterflies and dreams of white picket fences but ends with you sneaking out the back door, talking about "needing to find yourself."

Well, consider this your guide for finally breaking up with your traditional job, because let’s face it, you’ve been flirting of, dare we say, freedom.

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‍Step 1: It’s not you, it’s me (actually, it’s definitely you)

‍First off, let’s be clear: breaking up with your 9 to 5 isn’t about running away from responsibility; it’s about running towards what sets your soul on fire. Start by jotting down what you love and loathe about your current gig. If "loathe" outweighs "love" like a sumo wrestler on a see-saw, it’s time to swipe left on that job. Pro-tip : if you ever find yourself making a pros and cons list about anything in life, it’s a sign in itself.

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‍Step 2: Ghosting (responsibly)

‍Now, we’re not advocating for ghosting in the traditional sense. No, this is about strategically fading out of the traditional work scene. Begin by dipping your toes into freelance gigs or short-term projects (hello, Pagato!). It’s like job dating – you get to see what’s out there without fully committing just yet.

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‍Step 3: "We need to talk

”Crafting that goodbye to your boss? Keep it classy, like a breakup over a candlelit dinner (but please, spare them the "it’s not you, it’s me" spiel). Express gratitude for the experience, but assert that your career path is pulling you in a new direction – towards more dynamic and flexible opportunities.

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‍Step 4: Finding your rebound

‍Your rebound isn’t a person; it’s all of the opportunities waiting to be discovered. Platforms like Pagato or Upwork are the dating apps of the job world, matching you with gigs that align with your skills, interests, and availability. Dive into new experiences, learn what you love, and maybe even find your career soulmate.

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‍Step 5: The glow-up

‍This is where you thrive. You’ve left the monotonous behind and embraced a world where work fits into your life, not the other way around. You're now part of a community that values flexibility, independence, and passion. It’s time to update your LinkedIn, throw out that business casual attire (unless that’s your thing), and let the world know that you’re single and ready to mingle with opportunities that excite you.

‍The conclusion?

‍Breaking up with your 9 to 5 might come with its fair share of "what ifs" and late-night ice cream binges (metaphorically speaking), but it’s also the beginning of a thrilling journey towards self-discovery, flexibility, and fulfillment. Remember, in the grand dating pool of careers, there are plenty of opportunities out there. It’s about finding the ones that make you jump out of bed in the morning – or whenever you decide to start your day (because hey, you’re the boss now).

So, here’s to your breakup with the 9 to 5 – may it be the start of a beautiful love affair with your career. Cheers!