Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
“Never Had A Normal Job In My Life”: 30 Folks Who Escaped The 9-To-5 Explain What They Do For Work
Interview With Expert
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
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
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.
Andrew Keir 5 months ago
But you create work that will keep your thinking alive for generations
#3
Comedian. I tell d**k jokes to drunk people for money.
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.”
#5
I'm a farmer.
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.
#7
Manly Nurse working since 2016 in different emergency Rooms.
#8
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 😎.
StrangeOne 5 months ago
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.
#9
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.
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.”
“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
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?
#11
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.
StrangeOne 5 months ago
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.
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
Military sometimes work 0 hours sometimes 24+ just depends.
#13
Waste management - never had the makings of a varsity athlete.
ILoveMySon 5 months ago
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.
#15
Caregiver for elderly patients.
Happy Onion 5 months ago
We often put our children and elderly in the care of some of the lowest paid people. Doesn't make sense
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
Hotels & hospitality ....hotels are always open so hours can be all over the place, depending on what department you work.
Upstaged75 5 months ago (edited)
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
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.
#18
I’m a exotic dancer 🫡 the hours are rough, my body aches, and still i really am thankful for the money and opportunities.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 5 months ago
I can't imagine how badly the aching must be. I don't think I could have moved like that at my healthiest.
#19
Bartender, usually around 5pm-midnight.
#20
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.
#21
I’m an academic. Most days I work 10-4 plus many hours in the evenings.
#22
Personal trainer.
StrangeOne 5 months ago
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.
#23
Mechanic. I do 9-1. Not the "1" that would make it a good life.
#24
I make car parts for the American Working Man because that's what I am, and that's who I care about...after hours.
#28
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. .
#29
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.
Lyone Fein 5 months ago
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.
What do you think ?
StrangeOne 5 months ago
I've worked various shifts at a popular Canadian donut chain. The worst shift was closing with an opening shift the next morning. (It wasn't a 24/7 location. Mall hours.) I knew there was a high chance I would be the only one opening if that was my shift. My mgr didn't like doing that to me, but when no one decides they want to work their shift, I was the default, being the one living the closest to work. When I got home all I wanted to do was sleep. My mom accused me of being depressed and lazy. It was a whole s**t-show. My last job was also odd evening and weekend hours, until I was able to move to 9-5 and then 8-4. I enjoyed 8-4, since I wasn't a morning person and have no need to relish the morning before work, but get to enjoy the rest of the day an hour earlier. Now when things are scheduled, appts are made, I don't have to work with sleep deprivation.
Lyone Fein 5 months ago
I think there are a lot of misconceptions about many of these jobs. So more details from people who actually do them would be great.
Lucille Lenden 5 months ago
How about Mums, they're on duty 24/7 especially when they've just had a baby. It never stops. Some have to work in a paid job just to pay for food to put on the table as well as cleaning, washing, ironing, doctor, teacher...the list is endless. Funny how people forget this most important person in your life who we all just take for granted.
StrangeOne 5 months ago
I've worked various shifts at a popular Canadian donut chain. The worst shift was closing with an opening shift the next morning. (It wasn't a 24/7 location. Mall hours.) I knew there was a high chance I would be the only one opening if that was my shift. My mgr didn't like doing that to me, but when no one decides they want to work their shift, I was the default, being the one living the closest to work. When I got home all I wanted to do was sleep. My mom accused me of being depressed and lazy. It was a whole s**t-show. My last job was also odd evening and weekend hours, until I was able to move to 9-5 and then 8-4. I enjoyed 8-4, since I wasn't a morning person and have no need to relish the morning before work, but get to enjoy the rest of the day an hour earlier. Now when things are scheduled, appts are made, I don't have to work with sleep deprivation.
Lyone Fein 5 months ago
I think there are a lot of misconceptions about many of these jobs. So more details from people who actually do them would be great.
Lucille Lenden 5 months ago
How about Mums, they're on duty 24/7 especially when they've just had a baby. It never stops. Some have to work in a paid job just to pay for food to put on the table as well as cleaning, washing, ironing, doctor, teacher...the list is endless. Funny how people forget this most important person in your life who we all just take for granted.
Related on Bored Panda
