The 9-5 depression is a real thing, and I lived it.
You feel like your whole life is dedicated to working.
You live for the weekends. But then when the weekend comes you’re too tired to do anything.
It doesn’t have to be this way!
It will take hard work to leave the 9-5 grind. But it’s absolutely worth it.
Disclaimer: I earn a commission if you make a purchase through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you.
Changing careers in your 30s
If you’re thinking about changing careers and ditching the 9-5 depression so you can be happier and feel more fulfilled… do it.
I want to inspire you to follow your dreams.
I worked in a field that I was not passionate about for six years.
The more I worked, the more depressed I became. This almost ruined my closest relationships, and I would hate for anyone else to feel this.
Please know that it is only too late to change your career if you keep putting it off.
I completely changed careers at age 27. Currently, at age 34 I’m still pushing myself to do more.
My mother changed her career when she was in her 30s. She pushed herself to do more and opened her own dog grooming business at the age of 40.
She is my role model. I followed in her footsteps when changing my career.
I pursued something that I was passionate about rather than chasing the next step up on the corporate ladder.
My 9-5 depression
My 9-5 depression didn’t happen right away.
I started at an internship for marketing and advertising. Then I started substituting at my school.
I was also working weekends at a golf country club. Then I started working at a local newspaper company.
My role was focused on subscriptions. But I also did some marketing and advertising.
I wasn’t in love with my jobs at the time. But I did like the people, and it was good money.
But I wanted to move to the city. And I wanted to pursue pet care because I’ve had so many dogs and cats in my life. This was my true passion.
I applied for dog walking jobs in the city, and I had interviews. However, I was a bit nervous about the low salary.
So the newspaper company connected me with their ad agency.
So I gave up my dream in pet care for another step on the corporate ladder.
My role at this ad agency was in content publishing and marketing.
I worked there for about 3 years. This was the beginning of my 9-5 depression.
My boss was a boss and not a leader. He’d yell and curse at us and change his vision for the company daily.
It was horrible.
And, again, instead of pursuing my dreams, I applied to more “higher up on the corporate ladder” jobs.
The next job was my breaking point. The true 9-5 depression.
I worked at a large corporate company in sales. They list the job as “account executive” and make it sound super fancy.
Basically a glorified telemarketer. This company is an app that tells you the best local businesses with reviews.
Most people would think that “I made it” and this job was so impressive.
Nope. Super depressing and soul-sucking.
So after 1 year, I quit. Without having another job lined up! First time since I’m 13 that I didn’t have a job.
This time I pursued pet care.
Leaving the 9-5 depression
I applied to every pet care business that I could find. Even if the travel was a 2-hour train ride.
No more 9-5 depression! I was going for my pet care dreams.
I got some interviews with dog walking companies in other boroughs. But then I found a company that was based in my local area. And it was a cat sitting job!
I wanted the cat sitting job to know I was serious about the role. So I withdrew my applications from other companies. And let the cat sitting company know as well.
Thankfully, my friend needed part-time help at work. So this income held me over while I interviewed and built up my client base with cat sitting.
I also started walking dogs on the Wag! app.
By the way, Wag! walking is rewarding if you have dog walking experience. Get started with this link and we’ll both get a $25 bonus after you complete your first paid walk.
So I left the 9-5 depression with no plans. And quickly got back to working 3 jobs.
And I’m still changing careers.
I had my dream job. But I felt like I was taking better care of other people’s cats than my cat.
I also wanted to help pet parents outside of my local area.
My solution? This online business.
Starting my business at 30
I started my online business with this blog in 2019.
In 2023, I’m still growing my business and income streams.
I started with affiliate marketing and now I have 5 different income streams.
The only regret I have is that I wish I started sooner.
It’s so much more fulfilling to work for yourself. But you have to have the drive and discipline to actually do it.
You are the boss. So you have to manage your time, tasks, and workflow.
But it is SO worth it!
Plus making money online has never been easier with all these platforms. And the only cap to how much money you earn is your creativity and workflow.
Are you ready to ditch the 9-5 depression?
If you are unhappy with your work life (or another aspect of your life) my message is this: it is up to you to change it.
You have to do everything in your power to change your life.
And you should aim to be happy in all aspects of your life. Not just your personal life.
Push yourself to do more.
I know it’s much easier to push through the motions. But it’s much more rewarding to challenge yourself to do better.
Dealing with 9-5 depression is not normal. We all deserve a happy life.
Need help getting started? Check out my step-by-step plan how to make money online.
