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We all have Henry Ford to thank for starting the 9-5 work schedule in 1926. Since then, people have either loved or hated (mostly hated) this system. Some folks simply chose not to give into the grind, and we compiled a list of their responses, some of which may surprise you.

Bored Panda interviewed Aaditya Surve, a music producer and sound designer working in the ad industry, to understand how he evaded the 9-5 work life while managing the music alias Iridescent Grapevine and band The Flying Fish. He had a lot to share!

More info: Reddit

#1

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I’m a writer. It’s a double-edged sword. I can usually sleep in, but I’m never off work. There’s some measure of guilt involved in almost any hour I take to myself.

BustinMakesMeFeelMeh , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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Andrew Keir
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you create work that will keep your thinking alive for generations

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#3

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Comedian. I tell d**k jokes to drunk people for money.

holupaminutehere , Aleksandr Neplokhov Report

Most people are sold the idea that working the same job 8 hours a day and 5 days a week is the right thing to do. But not everyone agrees with this idea. That’s why there are approximately 1.57 billion freelancers in the workforce, and the number is only rising. Most individuals who work like this have way more freedom to choose their hours and work days.

We asked Aaditya, the music producer, what his work schedule looks like. He said it “varies widely based on projects and deadlines. A schedule that I am trying to incorporate to enhance my productivity is 11 am to 1 pm daily creative project work. However, I sometimes start work earlier or later in the day as well, or complete projects post midnight.”

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#5

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I'm a farmer.

TheCrimsonCatalyst , Jake Heinemann Report

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ByeFelicia
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very commendable job and very hard work. Hats off to you sir!

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As you can see in this diverse list, there are so many jobs that don’t fit the traditional 9-5 workday. Most people choose this lifestyle because of the level of flexibility it offers. People whose sole income comes from freelancing also tend to report a higher level of satisfaction with their work.

Aaditya agreed with this as well and stated that: “the good thing about it is the work is more like a sprint and not a marathon. So it’s fast-paced when work is there, till delivery, and then I can even take the next day off to relax.” This is vastly different from the daily 8-hour workday which requires people to be present and productive within fixed hours.

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#7

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Manly Nurse working since 2016 in different emergency Rooms.

Sea_Pipe603 , Laura James Report

#8

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I'm a musician, so I work 24-7. But at least I'm having fun when I'm finally playing shows, instead of all the other s**t nobody tells you about 😎.

PepperTraditional443 , Geo Chierchia Report

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StrangeOne
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the Reddit, other musicians mentioned it's more than performing. You have to be able to market yourself, socialize, be nice all the time, seek the venues, set everything up for yourself, plan everything, all on your own money and efforts. If you're in a band, sure your bandmates can help, but there tends to be a lot of shaky politics that cause band members to quit.

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#9

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I’m a luthier. My job is also my passion. I work 8-16 sometimes longer if there are jobs that call for it.

If I wouldn’t have a family I would always be at work.

daggir69 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

With so many “non-traditional” jobs to pick from, you might wonder how to get started or how to get out of the rat race. Aaditya shared a few tips, stating, it “depends on circumstances and whether you're in the right space in terms of responsibilities, finances, etc. to take the risk of breaking away from a fixed income job.”

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“You can start your hobby/passion project on the side whilst working your 9-5 grind until it grows enough to drive in regular income to take care of your needs and regular investments. But sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and figure ahead from there. In a way, it's like improvisation,” he added.

#10

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Freelance interpreter.

When I'm needed, I'll work. When I'm not, I'll be sitting on my a*s. Guess where am I atm?

ravioloalladiarrea , Brooke Cagle Report

#11

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Not me, but a buddy. He has worked for his dad’s pool company since he was 10. Just opening, closing, and maintaining pools. When he was still in school he worked all summer nonstop. When he graduated, he would only work 8 months out of the year, but it was a grueling schedule 12 hours a day 6 days a week. His dad paid him cash and he saved every penny.

By the time I graduated, he had about 200k saved up and started his own business away from the dad’s business. He bought a house for dirt cheap because it was 2019. The house doubled in value and now it’s worth 7 figures. His business is doing extremely well and I’m kind of jealous.

Working 72 hours a week maybe not, but I think he’s hired more people and scaled back his personal hours. Plus the in the winter he is free.

ItsNjry , Pixabay Report

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StrangeOne
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kids who have parents that own successful businesses have so many advantages, even I'm jealous. Or even just the kids who live at home and don't have to pay for much and work. They're able to save much of their money and just be set for life. Don't even have to have wealthy parents.

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Even though we’ve been praising jobs that don’t fit the regular 9-5, there are a couple downsides to it that you should know. People who want to be their own boss often find acquiring projects a challenge. There is also a constant need to upskill and be a great communicator as a freelancer.

According to Aaditya, a few struggles with freelancing include the “uncertainty of regular work and regular income flow. It is difficult sometimes to think of taking a leave as you worry about missing out on potential new projects. Also, if there aren't as many new projects to do, it can get boring.”

#12

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Military sometimes work 0 hours sometimes 24+ just depends.

RushSpecific , Diego González Report

#13

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Waste management - never had the makings of a varsity athlete.

msodhi , Ninh Tien Dat Report

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ILoveMySon
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Idk. My college sweetheart played college ball and worked as a "garbage man" in the summers off. He worked with many other athletes as they had to lift and dump in the late 80s. Great pay amd workouts too.

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#14

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Snow cat operator. Our hours suck. 9pm to 7 am.

Pifftalk , Franz Roos Report

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#15

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Caregiver for elderly patients.

futurePulitzerwinner , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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Happy Onion
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We often put our children and elderly in the care of some of the lowest paid people. Doesn't make sense

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Many careers on this list do offer the holy grail of work-life balance that people are desperately seeking, and others are hectic but very rewarding. No matter whether you pick a normal 9-5 job or opt for something completely different, the essential thing is you should enjoy what you do. Since work makes up a third of our lives, it’s important to pick wisely.

So, tell us, are you more of a 9-5 person or not? We’d love to hear your perspective.

#16

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Hotels & hospitality ....hotels are always open so hours can be all over the place, depending on what department you work.

sendatuenergy , cottonbro studio Report

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Upstaged75
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked in a hotel when I was younger. The first year I was there I worked Thanksgiving, Xmas, NYE, Easter, Memorial Day, Mother's Day, and July 4th. Because we always had big events going on during those days. At the time I didn't mind because all my friends worked there too and it was kind of fun. I was also young and had a lot of energy. :) There's a reason many people don't stay in the industry when they get older.

#17

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Social media marketing. I just work from home (always have due to a disability) and always make sure I can freely choose my worktimes as long as s**t gets done of course.

HHegert , Thought Catalog Report

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Barbara R
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm disabled partially because of a workplace injury. I love working from home. To quote our founder, "Marketing done right turns sales into order taking."

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#18

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I’m a exotic dancer 🫡 the hours are rough, my body aches, and still i really am thankful for the money and opportunities.

xogranmamare , Eric Nopanen Report

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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't imagine how badly the aching must be. I don't think I could have moved like that at my healthiest.

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#19

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Bartender, usually around 5pm-midnight.

lusty-argonian , Redd F Report

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Andrew Keir
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You meet a lot of people, but often they're not at their best...

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#20

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Run my own business- it’s more than a 9-5 job - there’s weekends, stressful nights and often 10+ hour days - but I still wouldn’t trade it for a 9-5.

anon , Brooke Cagle Report

#21

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I’m an academic. Most days I work 10-4 plus many hours in the evenings.

drittinnlegg , Kampus Production Report

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Max Fox
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Academics work 70-80 hours a week. Teaching, prepping class, grading, office hours, research, writing, publishing, mentoring students, committee meetings, and writing grant proposals.

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#22

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Personal trainer.

brarver , Jonathan Borba Report

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StrangeOne
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This must be a very worrisome job. You literally have someone's well-being and results on the line that they're paying for, and if they are not improving or get injured, it can feel like a reflection on you.

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#23

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Mechanic. I do 9-1. Not the "1" that would make it a good life.

Automatic_Square_907 , Kenny Eliason Report

#24

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I make car parts for the American Working Man because that's what I am, and that's who I care about...after hours.

igotfiveonit , Tim Mossholder Report

#25

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I got this little import/export business.

ElonsTinyPenis , Paul Teysen Report

#27

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work I'm in construction. Our hours are 7 - 3:30.

mayorodoyle , Aleksey Report

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Papa
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I started at my current job it was also in construction, with the same hours. In 2009 I moved into the office, but kept the same hours. It works for me. I don't mind getting up early, and like being off work in the middle of the afternoon.

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#28

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Physician.  And I worked a bunch of jobs before medical school.  I guess the closest I came to a 9-5 job was doing 8 am to 6 pm six days a week changing tires at a truck mechanic.  .

funklab , Funkcinės Terapijos Centras Report

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#29

"Never Had A Normal Job In My Life": 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work Teacher in higher education. Why work 5 days a week when 3 pays the bills. Some weeks have 4 days of work some have barely 3. Pretty good gig tbh.

ArrogantlyChemical , LinkedIn Sales Solutions Report

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Lyone Fein
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoa! Not sure what kind of "teacher" is being represented here? When I taught in higher education the norm was to spend a minimum of 3-4 hours of work outside the classroom for every hour spent in the classroom. When you teach a course, you have to review dozens of books and articles before you can choose which ones you're going to assign for the semester. You need to set up the class website with the reading schedule and write up every quiz/exam/assignment. Then there's actually preparing for each class meeting/lecture. And grading. Plus Office hours. . . . A full time Instructor usually teaches 3-4 courses per semester, plus serves on several faculty committees. This ends up being about a 50 hour work week, on average. "Vacation" periods need to be devoted to writing, research, and preparing for the next semester's classes. Those who do not write and publish, in addition teaching, lose their jobs.

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