Everyone dreams of being able to escape the rat race forever, but unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it seems. The number of people who have attempted to quit their 9-5 roles and seek out a more liberating and rewarding life are just as likely to regret the decision as they are to relish it. The problem is that those dreams of freedom are often nothing more tangible than wish-fulfillment because there are still bills to pay and stresses to deal with daily. One of the most common denominators for those who quit their careers in the hope of less stress is that financial concerns remain one of the most consistent problems. Those hoping to reduce their money problems by minimizing their lifestyle are going about it the wrong way. If you want to strike a better work-life balance without the risk, here are the best three ways to achieve the dream.
Go freelance or remote
The best way of reducing your workload and leaving more spare time for more pleasurable pursuits is to simply talk to your managers. In the digital age, it’s never been easier to work remotely, which is good news for those that want to avoid the daily commute and the stresses of an office. Working from home gives you a lot more freedom, but it can be a challenge to find the right role for you. It’s often a good idea to take your career freelance, finding sector-relevant roles where your experience can be paid for in the terms that you dictate. Be aware that going freelance can result in different stresses, and if you can’t be certain that you accrue enough work in time to pay the bills, then you may start having issues.
Cut down your workload
Good staff are hard to find, and no worthy employer is going to want to let you go if you are a solid performer. For people who are desperate to strike a healthier work-life balance, it can often be of benefit to reduce the number of hours that you work. It could mean a friendly chat with your bosses, and discussing the options for going part-time, or it could mean becoming self-employed and working as a temporary worker. This is most commonly seen in the teaching sector, with rising numbers of teachers making the transition to supply teaching roles, and with the range of available vacancies at the supply teaching agency Manchester, it’s never been easier. Look at your sector and assess the viability of temporary positions.
Monetize your creativity or knowledge
Just as it’s never been easier to work remotely, it’s also never been easier to make money from your hobbies and talents. The internet allows anybody to set up a free website and start selling anything that they can get their hands on. So if you think you have a talent that is monetizable, then this is a great way to reduce your official work hours without worrying so much about additional income. Look at your art and craft skills, or use your knowledge to create an industry relevant blog that may attract advertisers or sponsors. Using the working knowledge that you have of a sector you have worked in for a while is a fantastic resource for many, and you might be surprised at the many ways you can monetize ventures like these.
A good work-life balance is essential in the modern age. Finding new ways to create a better life for you and your family has always been difficult, but you now have more possibilities for alternative options than ever before. Look for the least risk and always have a plan in place, and your life could end up much more balanced.
