How To Thrive Outside A 9-5
You can’t make more of the two things in life that matter the most: time and love. For everything else, the pie can indeed be made bigger. But you don’t need a lot of money to make money, nor do you have to be wealthy to become an investor or an entrepreneur. And while you may need a 9-5 for now, what you probably need far, far more is the self-confidence to step out of your security zone and flex a passion.
These are the “secrets” that anyone who’s become rich already knows. But in order to make them work for you, first believe that there is plenty of money to go around. Then realize that you won’t get a larger share until you take control of your investments. If you work a 9-5 job, for example, you’ve put your life and livelihood in the hands of someone else. Maybe you’ll get that promotion or maybe they’ll invest their time and money elsewhere.
So why not make your side hustle finding a way to monetize and build infinite income upon a passion? In other words, invest in yourself?
That’s what I’ve done most of my life, from starting restaurants to producing television shows and films. And here’s what I’ve learned:
How To Get Started
Yes, you can become an entrepreneur while working a day job. People are doing it everywhere now, especially with remote and flexible working options. The ball and chain isn’t quite so restrictive any longer, so what better time to have more freedom, more flexibility and, of course, make more money?
To begin, find something that you’re interested in–something that you want to learn or be good at, and from that be confident that the money will come. This may sound counter-intuitive but you shouldn’t start a business in search of money; if you do, you’ll probably quit because it doesn’t come fast enough. Start with something that you love. You’ll put more of your effort and time into it. You’ll care. And you may find that you have a big interest in something you never realized.
I went to law school because I was convinced that I wanted to be a lawyer but after seeing what lawyers have to do all day, I thought, No, I don’t want to do that. I knew that my passion was my friends and my family, not books or legal codes. That’s how I got into the restaurant world. I didn’t cook but I did a lot of entertaining in my house. I always wanted people to have a good time and socialize. Opening a restaurant was a natural opportunity for me to do those things for my friends and family–and their friends and family.
Through the restaurants and different ventures, I created different stories through my experiences. That’s how I fell into the TV world. People would hear me talking about things and be intrigued. Soon my friends would seek me out and want to know, What happened this week?
I’m working on a television project right now, and now I’d love to be in a position to create stars. We can look back and pinpoint that one movie or TV series where we first saw our favorite actor, then we got to watch them grow into that beloved character. To be involved in that process is an extension of something I already feel passionate about–bringing people together and helping them grow.
It’s all connected!
How To Decide Where To Invest
I opened my first restaurant experience by myself. It was extremely difficult and so it became a defining moment as an entrepreneur. Through that struggle, I learned how to surround myself with people who could help me. There is the old African adage that if you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together. Unless you’ve tried going it alone, maybe you don’t understand the importance of building successful teams, but I do!
Every new venture is about coming together and creating different things, whether it’s a restaurant or TV show. When you’ve got a great team, that means that you’re passionate and others are attracted to your passion. That’s when you’ve found where to invest your time and money, both in yourself and in others.
I have an 11 year-old daughter now, and the way that kids are growing up now is very self-centered. I’ve noticed that the way they entertain themselves does not require a group of people. She sits by herself and plays against a system. So I’ve made sure that she’s involved in sports and debate teams.
You have to put yourself in a position to understand the value that other people have in a group. If you don’t invest your time in others, you’ll never get that far.
When To Just Be An Investor And When To Be Hands On
Of course it’s human nature to have an ego, especially in the entertainment business, but the best thing that an entrepreneur can do is surround themselves with people who are better than they are. If you don’t seek out those who can do things that you cannot, you’ll find that you’ve surrounded yourself with people who, in your mind at least, are beneath you.
So while you need to be “hands-on” as an entrepreneur you also need to be “hands-off.” Trust. Once you’ve made that investment in others, it’s time to step back.
Being An Entrepreneur While Working a 9-5
Working more than one job is now the norm, and there are plenty of very successful entrepreneurs out there who still have a day job–or “hustle” if you like. It’s not only a matter of security; it’s a reminder that we all have to strive and struggle, no matter how successful. If you put yourself in a position where you think you’ve already made it, you’ll quit.
Filling multiple roles or even having a 9-5 job isn’t an admission of defeat. It doesn’t mean you haven’t made it; it means that you’re still striving. And it should remind you to never settle or see yourself as content. Because success is not just about the paycheck; it’s about the freedom and the learning. Even when the money starts rolling in, I don’t want to be content. I want to do more and be better.
This guest post was authored by Marlo Richardson
Ms. Richardson is a financial expert and entrepreneur who started in the working class, left her 9-5 and built an entrepreneurial empire that has laid the foundation for wealth for generations to come.
Marlo is known as a dynamic leader, business professional and as someone who has made her mark in many industries. She is a regular disrupter, often carrying the title “First African American Woman to”. Marlo has been a Keynote Speaker, business advisor, and is often invited to speak with local business groups and universities regarding her personal story and experiences in the business world.
She is the founder of Business Bullish, a website and resource that seeks to train people in the areas of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. She is a dynamic business woman and leader and is also a keynote speaker and business advisor who shares with local businesses her success stories in hopes that they can replicate her growth.
As a working mom with numerous brands under her, she seeks to share her knowledge on finance, business and demonstrate women really can do it all.
