The Magic of the 5-9: How I Juggle Teaching and Lash Dreams
Ever heard of the 5-9? It’s the latest buzzword in the world of side hustles. Some people might roll their eyes and mutter about burnout, but let’s be real—it’s not about working yourself into the ground. It’s about chasing those big dreams when the 9-5 clock stops ticking.
There’s Never a “Perfect” Time to Start Building Your Dream
We all have that one big goal simmering in the back of our minds. Maybe it’s launching a business, writing the next bestseller, becoming a social media sensation, or even mastering the art of lash extensions. The thing is, those dreams aren’t going to build themselves, and time? Well, it’s not going to magically appear either.
Here’s a little secret: the people you admire—the ones who’ve “made it”—most likely started their journeys in those precious hours after the daily grind. Harrison Ford? He was hammering nails by day and chasing his acting dreams by night. Shania Twain was flipping burgers at Maccas while perfecting her singing. J.K Rowling was scribbling the first Harry Potter book in cafés while juggling single motherhood. Oprah Winfrey started out as a local news anchor before becoming the media mogul we all know today. And even Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, was selling fax machines door-to-door before she revolutionized women’s fashion with her shapewear.
So, what’s stopping you from making your dreams happen between 5-9?
Maximizing the Hours: Finding Time Where You Thought There Was None
I know what you’re thinking. “But Jess, by the time I get home, cook dinner, and maybe squeeze in a workout, there’s barely any time left!” Trust me, I get it. But here’s the thing: you’ve got to get a bit crafty with your time.
Let’s talk about the morning routine. Sure, we all want to look like we’ve just stepped off a runway, but maybe that hour-long primping session can be shaved down a bit. Same goes for those long, luxurious meals. I’m not saying skip brekkie, but maybe keep it simple—and save the gourmet spreads for the weekends.
The commute is another biggie. If you can finish work at 5 instead of 6, do it! Don’t give all your energy to a job that would replace you faster than you can say “redundancy.”
And when it comes to cooking, let’s not pretend we’re all MasterChef contenders. A bit of meal prep, or even some good ol’ takeaway, can free up heaps of time. Back when I was burning the candle at both ends, I’d whip up a quick rice and beans dinner while listening to a podcast to learn something new. Multi-tasking for the win!
The Reality Check: You Can’t Do It All
Look, I’m not saying it’s easy. I’m just saying it’s possible. It’s about blending those must-do tasks with your dream-chasing activities. Can you fit in a gym session during your commute or maybe combine exercise with a bit of brainstorming for your side hustle? Probably. But the key is realizing that not everything will get done, and that’s okay.
It boils down to this: do you want to spend the next 40 years slogging away at a job you barely tolerate, or are you willing to give 1-2 years to building something that could set you free?
The Bottom Line
Is your 5-9 a non-negotiable, or just a nice-to-have? Are you swimming in excuses or are you ready to take some shortcuts and make it happen?
When people tell me they can’t find the time, it makes me cringe. You can always find the time—it’s just about making it a priority. If your job doesn’t let you out until 6, maybe it’s time to find one that does. If your commute is eating away at your life, consider going remote. You’ve got choices. You’re not stuck.
A 5-9 is all about ditching the excuses and doing the best work of your life when no one’s watching. It’s totally possible—and trust me, it’s worth it.
