Why I’m Loving My 9-5

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Hi everyone! I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve posted. For those that remember, I was offered a full-time job last month and I started last week! It’s been quite the ride so far, so I figured I’d share the pros and cons (mostly pros) of being back in “the grind.”

I feel like these days most people are trying to get out of their 9-5, so I can see how some of you probably think it’s strange that after freelancing for more than three years I’m jumping back into full-time employment. I will say this – if you are offered a job that would be hard for you to refuse, you might actually just want to be back in an office. That’s how this job is for me. I love it. I know I’m only in my second week, but I don’t mind going into the office at all. In fact, it’s a really nice change of pace from being a WFH mom to my two little girls.

Why I’m loving my 9-5

For starters, it’s actually a 9-5 job. All my other office jobs were more like 8-5 or 7-4. This one is 9-5 with a lunch break. I don’t know if it’s because I’m busy or because I’m only there 8 hours total, but time flies.

I get to socialize! This is a big one for me. I’ve been at home for three years raising babies. I love my girls more than anything, but it has been wonderful socializing with adults throughout the day. And my girls get to socialize with little kids their ages doing activities all day. While it’s hard to be apart all day, I know they’re in good hands.

Fitness is encouraged. We have a full gym inside our office and are encouraged to exercise during our workdays. So far, I’ve participated in one boot camp class and it kicked my booty. Once I’m in more of a routine with my actual work, I plan on incorporating one workout per day into my schedule.

Oh yeah, and I get to work from home two days per week. I haven’t started this yet as I’m still in training right now, but starting next week I’ll be working from home twice a week (!!). I love working from home and find that I’m actually more productive at home, so this really is the best of both worlds.

And of course…I’m salaried, I can budget my money easier, I’m working for a company I really believe in, I get benefits and paid time off, and more.

The cons of a 9-5

The hardest part so far has just been how quickly time is going by. It already went by fast and now it just zooms by. I can barely even remember last weekend, but all I know is Monday came much quicker than it normally does. I do miss my girls a good amount, too. I’m used to spending almost all-day everyday with them, so this is a big adjustment for sure.

I also miss being outside. I thrive on the outdoors and I had forgotten what it’s like to be “trapped” at a desk all day. Perhaps on my WFH days I’ll take my work to a local park or lake 🙂

And finally, I’m no longer completely in charge of my schedule. I do have to be there at 9 and can’t leave until 5. While the company I’m working for is probably the most flexible of all companies (we have unlimited vacation time), I do still have to abide by their schedule, not my own.

However, for me the pros majorly outweigh the cons. I’m really looking forward to this new role and am excited to see where it takes me.

If you were offered a full-time job you just couldn’t refuse, would you take it?!

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Comments

Heather @ Simply Save says
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That sounds like a great gig! Still very flexible, 2 days at home, and that fitness perk sounds amazing! Congrats!
- Sarah Brooks says
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  Thanks!! I definitely could not have asked for more!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
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That definitely sounds like an office job arrangement that would be super hard to turn down! I’m one of those people that says when hell freeze over, that’s when I’ll go back to an office….but your situation does make me rethink that a little! A dependable salary is so nice and I can see myself really craving that socialization after a few more years of being a work-from-home Mom too. Plus working from home 2 days a week, that really IS the best of both worlds!! I’m so happy for you that your new job is going well and you’re enjoying it! 🙂
- Sarah Brooks says
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  Hi Christina!! You know – it’s so funny because even a few months ago I was saying I would NEVER go back in an office!! And here I am haha. I guess you just really never know where life is going to take you 🙂
diane @smartmoneysimplelife says
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Great to hear the job is all you hoped it would be.
Nice perk having a gym at the office but makes it hard to come up with viable excuses not to exercise! 🙂
- Sarah Brooks says
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  Hahaha I know!! I was thinking that today (boot camp day)! It’s like…I either work out or keep working…and even if I don’t want to workout I feel obligated since I’m there and the class is ready and waiting for me!
J says
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Congratulations on landing a full-time job that still allows you to spend time doing things that matter to you. It sounds like a great workplace where employee welfare is given much importance, I won’t mind working there. 🙂
- Sarah Brooks says
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  Yes they treat their employees wonderfully! I’m very thankful to be there 🙂
Harmony @ CreatingMyKaleidoscope says
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Glad to hear that you’re enjoying this new phase of your life. I think people are happiest with variety, even if it’s over the long term. So, whether it’s being a stay at home mom or working full-time, switching things up can be helpful to your well-being. That’s the premise behind my goal – a shifting kaleidoscope of more time with my family and several different income sources instead of a full-time job.
- Sarah Brooks says
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  That’s a really great way of looking at things. I am definitely one to change it up. I like change and get bored when I’m stagnant for too long. For now, this role is perfect for me, but who knows what the future holds!
Kristin says
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How great is it that you get to work from home and go into the office? Sounds like a pretty good gig, not to mention all the benefits! Sounds like a dream job!
- Sarah Brooks says
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  Thanks!! So far I do like it a lot. Like I said, though, it is different getting used to being on someone else’s schedule tho!
Abigail @ipickuppennies says
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I have an 8-4 working from home. I love it. Well… I don’t love the work (customer service) but I love my boss and being able to hold down a job. Prior to finding this position, I assumed I’d never be able to work full-time, if at all.
I definitely couldn’t work in an office due to physical limitations, but I love having a job with an income I can depend on.
- Sarah Brooks says
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  That’s wonderful you’re able to work from home!! I feel like those types of jobs are hard to come by! And like you said – even though you might not love the work, the stability is nice!!
Reelika @Financially Wise On Heels says
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That is awesome! I work for an international finance company and they were so nice to me that currently I can work from home. And home I mean where ever I am at (I am currently travelling). It is really nice and as long as I do my job, everything is fine. I don’t have set hours, it depends on my daily schedule. I’m also running my online business and I am using a planner for it. It keeps me organized, so I can get everything done. I feel these two jobs balance my life quite well.
- Sarah Brooks says
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  That sounds perfect!! I do hope I can eventually WFH full-time at my current job. I love working from home, however the three days in the office is nice for now as I’ve missed socializing!
Holly@ClubThrifty says
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I’m glad you like it! There are definitely pros that come with working for someone else. I don’t think I could take a full-time job with a regular company at this point in my life. I would probably get fired on the first day! I have to be in charge of everything.
- Sarah Brooks says
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  LOL I know what you mean!! You guys have been so incredibly successful I don’t think a company could pay you enough!! Goes to show that the sky really is the limit when working for yourself 🙂
Ramona says
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I had a 9-5 job for a year and it was annoying. My actual work time was less (we don’t usually work all these hours anyway) and I’d just waste time there. I’d never accept such a job, especially since I’ve grown accustomed to managing my own time. I can work for few hours and then just enjoy life.