9 to 5 vs Entrepreneurship

“How do you plan your day now that you run your own business?”

The answer? I don’t. Not in the way people expect, anyway.

When I worked a 9–5, I knew exactly how the day would go: wake up, clock in, draft discovery, file motions, finalize deadlines, clock out, and repeat. It was consistent and predictable. It was like watching a movie where you already know the ending (weird fact about me and a bit off topic: I don’t mind knowing the ending of movies, my husband is the opposite lol). And in many ways, that was comforting to me. I knew my paycheck was coming and done.

But that structure also means limits because you’re operating in a box.

9 to 5 vs entrepreneurship is a shift no one really prepares you for. Working for myself is a completely different world than working a traditional 9–5. It’s not better or worse, it’s just different. And it’s definitely not for everyone.

Let me explain.

It’s more like the stock market. Some days, I feel unstoppable. Other days, I’m completely drained and questioning everything. But even then, I never feel like I crash. Because even in the hard moments, I know I’m growing. I’m becoming sharper, more grounded, more resilient the next day. That’s what keeps it exciting.

No Pre-Planned Schedule

People often assume I have a neatly pre-planned schedule now that I’m a full-time entrepreneur. The truth is far from it, especially in the beginning when you’re working with no team. I don’t wake up with a time-blocked calendar. My creativity doesn’t run on a clock, it runs on purpose. And by that, I mean I organize my day by brackets and categories of my business that I make sure to touch daily:

• Content creation
• Potential new clients
• Marketing
• Admin systems & planning (eventually, this is something you’ll likely want to delegate)
• Social media presence & engagement

Each day, I check in with that bracket system and if something urgent comes up, like a client lead or a partnership opportunity, I always always always prioritize that. Anything tied to income is at the top of my list. Otherwise, I rotate through the categories so nothing is neglected.

That’s been the biggest difference in my 9 to 5 vs entrepreneurship journey: learning how to build structure around flexibility, because no one else is managing your time but you.

What about working with a toddler at home?

That part is real. Every single day, I’m drafting emails with Moana 2 or Vivo playing in the background for the 17th time, and honestly, I’ve just learned to roll with it. Other days, I’m on a Zoom call with one hand holding crayons under the table, doing whatever it takes to keep her entertained while I handle business. And I’ve learned to build my business with her.

Let me be clear: There is no clock-out, but the schedule is flexible.

Yes, I work around the clock, not always in hours, but in energy, creativity, and decision-making. But I also get to take a 20-minute break in the middle of the day to pick up my daughter from school, without having to rush, explain, or ask for permission. I get the gift of eating lunch and actually chewing it, instead of scarfing it down between tasks. I can take a personal day when I need to, because I call the shots.

That’s the difference in the 9 to 5 vs entrepreneurship lifestyle, you’re still working hard, but with more control, more alignment, and a little more freedom.

But here’s the key: you have to get back to it.

That flexibility only works when you stay accountable. When you know how to shift gears and still make progress, even when the day didn’t go as planned. This isn’t about working less. It’s about working with intention.

This journey isn’t for everyone. It’s not always pretty. But it could be yours if you want it.

If you’re side-eyeing the exit sign on your cubicle and wondering if 9 to 5 vs entrepreneurship could work for you, come hang out.

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