Breaking Free from the 9-to-5 Grind: A New Perspective on Time and Family

For the past few weeks, I’ve been free from the classic 9-to-5 (or longer) routine, and I’m slowly beginning to realize what I’ve missed all these years while sitting in the office, traveling for work, or attending evening events. Don’t get me wrong—many of these experiences were fun, and I met great people and learned a lot. But have you ever stopped to question what it would be like to spend more time with your family or even with yourself, and to be truly present?

The Magic of Spontaneous Living

I had never thought about what it would be like to spontaneously play with my daughter, spend more time with my son because I had no other commitments, or go out for lunch with my older daughter on a whim. What if tomorrow you had no packed schedule and simply created more room for moments like these?

I had never even imagined these possibilities because I simply didn’t know they existed. Now, I feel like I’ve discovered a completely new world. When was the last time you paused and realized just how valuable the small moments with your loved ones can be?

I’ve been working since I was 14—back then, delivering newspapers and magazines. From that moment on, someone else always decided when I could take a vacation, where I had to be, and what I had to do to earn money. But how much time do we spend earning money, and how much time do we sacrifice to afford things? Last week, I was sitting in the living room when my daughter suddenly came over with a deck of cards, and it hit me how much I had missed over the years—I simply wouldn’t have been home for this moment to happen. Sometimes it’s so simple, yet so hard to see.

Frustration and the Reality of Work

What surprises me the most is the feedback I get when I talk about what I’m experiencing and noticing right now. Many people, especially men, react similarly: they are frustrated. They go to work, and while the job may still be somewhat interesting, the stress of juggling everything is crushing them. Do you know the feeling of constantly being stressed because you’re trying to balance work and personal life?

The same pressure seems to exist everywhere: selling yourself better, saving more, regardless of whether it’s sustainable or makes sense. Meetings that serve no purpose other than self-promotion take up time that could be spent on truly important matters—both personal and professional. Do you feel like real work gets lost in pointless meetings? I often hear the same complaint from the men around me: “I’m just so fed up.” It feels like we’re running on a hamster wheel, using up more and more energy without seeing any real change—and yet, we rarely talk about it.

Self-Determination and Less Stress: An Experiment

Since I’ve started this experiment of self-determination, I feel much less stress. Of course, not having to work reduces stress, which is obvious. But what I’ve only just realized is how much stress comes from guilt—toward my kids, the household, or other obligations I’ve neglected in the past.

This constant feeling of pressure to do everything right disappeared almost overnight. It’s not like I’m on vacation—it’s more that I’ve gained a new perspective, one that finally shows me the whole picture. And this perspective feels right.

What Can We Do?

To be honest, I’m not 100% sure what the path forward will look like for me. One thing is clear, though: the freedom I have now is something I don’t want to give up. Of course, the time will come when earning money will take on a bigger role again, and the challenge will be to find the right balance. But one thing I know for sure is that in the future, I’ll be very mindful of how I spend and trade my time and whether it’s good for me—even if that sounds a bit selfish.

I’ve learned that I use my time well when I have it. That doesn’t mean I don’t take breaks or enjoy leisure—of course, I play video games, watch football, go to a bar, or enjoy a good movie. But it’s also about having enough time for my children, my family, and my partner without constantly feeling like time is slipping away or that I have to rush off to the next appointment. The effect on your own well-being is amazing.

Are We Waiting for a Revolution?

I have a feeling that something big is brewing here, something waiting to be born. It’s hard to say exactly what, but based on my own experiences and the conversations I’ve had, I believe a new awareness of what really matters is emerging. It’s clear that it’s not just about consuming anymore, but it’s also not about having no money to trade for nice things. It’s somewhere in between, or maybe it’s something completely new waiting to be discovered.

A First Step

When I think about how I could have viewed or done things differently, one thought sticks with me: What if I had used those times when a meeting was postponed, a commitment fell through, or there was simply less to do? What if, instead of spending three hours sorting and answering emails, I had only spent two and used that extra hour to go home earlier, investing the time in myself, my kids, my partner, or other important things? How might that small first step have led to others? If I could give my old self one piece of advice, it would be this: Take that hour. It’s okay—nothing bad will happen.

What Do You Think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Do you see similar things happening around you, or is your experience completely different? How is your current work-life balance? What would you do to gain more self-determination? Let me know in the comments!

Best regards,

P.S.: Yesterday I wrote this blog post, and this morning I spent an hour in my daughter’s classroom. Something like this would have hardly been possible in my old life. I’m excited for what’s next.

Books of the week:

The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich

In “The 4-Hour Workweek”, Timothy Ferriss reveals how to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind and design a life filled with freedom and adventure. Ferriss shares his proven methods to achieve more in less time, while challenging conventional views of work and success. This is an inspiring read for anyone looking to gain more flexibility and independence.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” von Daniel H. Pink

In “Drive”, Daniel H. Pink explains what truly motivates us – and it’s often not money or external pressure. Pink turns conventional motivation theory on its head, showing that autonomy, mastery, and purpose drive us much more powerfully. For anyone feeling stuck in their job, this book offers fresh perspectives to become more motivated and fulfilled.