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Ask any mom who works a 9-5 while managing her family and she will tell you, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. There is no question that caring for our children–and sometimes other loved ones–is incredibly challenging when you are trying to meet the demands of a 9-5 job.

And of course, whether a mom works outside the home or in the home, trying to juggle everything is difficult. But most women would agree that working outside of the home comes with added burdens. Commuting, office politics, little vacation time, limited flexibility, and the list goes on and on. And this doesn’t even account for before care, after care, and other arrangements that have to be made so your days can run smoothly.

But what if you are tired of the hustle? What if you want a way to provide for your family without feeling like the only quality time you get with your kids is the busy two hours you spend with them right before bedtime? What if you are ready to find a way to leave that life behind because you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and frustrated?

Well, I believe there is a way out. And I am not claiming it will happen overnight, so quit reading if you want some magic pill. There is no magic pill. I do believe that creating a timeline and a strategy to live life on your own terms is very possible. It simply has to be what you truly want, and you need to have the patience to attain it.

So what steps should you take to create a life you want on your own terms?

Step up your money management game. Do you have a ton of debt? You need a serious plan to pay it off. There are tons of money management experts out there, many who have been where you are today. One of my favorites is The Frugal Feminista. And it’s not just about debt. Think about how much you spend on everything from clothes, to food, to cable, to trips. Is there a way to cut back on those expenses so you can save up and prepare for your exit from the 9-5?

Create your tribe. I have to be honest with you; you can’t do this on your own. You will need support from all the people in your life who love you and are willing to support you. Whether they can offer babysitting, a meal from time to time, or a listening ear and a hug when you are about to scream, a solid tribe is the only way to successfully make this transition without losing your mind.

Start a side hustle. Extra money will ultimately give you the freedom you desire. The more you can bring in while you work that 9-5, the sooner you can leave it. Are you a good writer? Are you crafty? Are you a great baker? Are you artistic? There are really tons of ways to make money these days. You just have to pick something and take action. You won’t make a ton overnight, but stick with it and get appropriate advice based on what the hustle is. The money will come.

Use vacation and sick days wisely. Try to use time off in a way that helps you move closer to your goal. You can use vacation time to attend a conference for female entrepreneurs, or use your sick day to outline an idea you have to launch a business. Time is money, so what you do with your time matters—a lot.

Consider part-time work. Can you leave the 9-5 for a 9-1 and make up the loss in income by pursuing your side hustle? It’s definitely an option to consider and it may be realistic based on the kind of work you do.

Begin networking. Your network is your net worth. Don’t waste time being shy. Meet people, online and in person. The more people you know, the more you are exposed to potential opportunities to generate income as well as opportunities for growth.

Work on yourself. Making a transition like this requires a clear mind, confidence, and a vision for the future. If you have been so busy meeting everyone else’s needs that you forgot about your own, this is the time to reclaim your life and get your mind right.

Cleanse your life. You have a lot going on as it is. Having to deal with family drama, negative energy, or toxic situations is a definite no-no. Negativity has this way of keeping us away from the things we want most. Try to get the negative energy out of your life so you can focus on creating the life you want.

Think outside of the box. Forget about what everyone else is doing or saying, and focus on yourself and your family. Just because you’ve been raised to believe a good job with good benefits is the way, doesn’t mean it’s the way for you. Think outside of the box. Don’t be afraid to do things differently. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself.

Invest in yourself. To make money you have to believe in yourself enough to invest in yourself. That may just mean buying a book, or it may mean buying supplies to launch your Etsy store. The point is, don’t be afraid to invest time and money into things that will help you get to where you want to be.  

 

Leaving the perceived security of a 9-5 isn’t always easy, but if you believe it will create a better quality of life for you and your kids, it’s worth a serious try.

 

Martine Foreman is a lifestyle consultant, freelance writer, lifestyle blogger, and speaker. To learn more about her work and get great tips on how to create a life you love, check her out at CandidBelle.  

 

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