11 Reasons to Pursue Your Dream Career Instead of Working 9-5

ICI - Pursue Your Dream Career

Can’t stand the 9-5 grind? Although taking that leap to pursue your passion can be daunting, here’s 11 reasons why you need to face your fear and do it anyway.

1. You control your life

No managers, no company policy, no disastrous office Christmas parties. Sure there’s still bills to pay and chores to do, but you’re in control. Not only are you following your dream, but you have more control over where you can live and when you work. With the 9-5, you’ve got to live near work and march to the beat of someone else’s drum. Is that truly what you want?

2. The money will never be enough

No matter how much you earn, if you’re not doing what you love, you’re spending a considerable amount of your life following someone else’s passion. When you look back on it all, can you say you’ll be happy with so much money?

3. Passion can drive success

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Sometimes it can sound a little hackneyed, but following your passion is often a more successful (and lucrative) path then climbing the corporate ladder. Passion pushes you to succeed. If you’re stuck in a job you don’t care about, just waiting for the extra promotion to come your way, you are probably less driven to succeed then you will be following your dreams.

4. Fulfilment comes from within

There are many ways to find fulfilment in this world. Through family and friends, hobbies, books and more. You may find fulfilment through a calling. A drive to follow a particular passion, to master a skill or set of skills through study and practice. What better way is there to find that fulfilment than through a career?

5. You’ve already got the right idea

Chances are the right idea is already there, burning inside you. So what are you waiting for? Great ideas come and go, but it’s only those who follow through with their passion that will make a difference in the world.

6. More time for family

Anyone who’s been in the 9-5 grind knows that sometimes it can burn you out over time. Forget 8 hour work days. Now we are seeing 8-6, even 7-7 shifts. Not to mention bringing work home with you.

Nobody wants that. What we want is more time with family and friends. More time to be ourselves around the people we care about. When you chase your dream career you also take control of your schedule. You’ll find more time for what counts, and everything else will just melt away.

7. You’re not getting any younger

Short of some major scientific breakthrough (hey maybe that’s your great idea) you won’t be getting any younger. Time is finite. There’s only so much life you have to enjoy the things you love. Why waste time on projects they have no meaning? Find your calling and throw yourself into it.

8. You’ll become a better person

Ever notice how people who follow their dreams seem to radiate positivity. The feeling of being around these people can be electrifying, inspiring, or just downright fun. When you choose to follow your passion, your enthusiasm will be infectious.

9. You should never settle

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Would you settle in a relationship? What about something simpler, like going out to dinner? Would you settle for a meal you didn’t want?

So why settle for the 9-5, when there’s a world out there waiting for you to take it by the scruff. Perhaps you’re a parent? An uncle or aunty? What advice would you give to your child, or a younger you? You’d probably tell them:

  • Make the most of your chances
  • Do what you love, and
  • Never settle

10. A renewed sense of freedom

It’s amazing how much freedom you’ll feel working for yourself. When you focus on what’s important, there just seems to be more space, more opportunity, more chances to break free of the mold. Think back on the last time you felt truly free. Chances are, you weren’t stuck in the 9-5 grind. Recapture what it means to be truly free and take the opportunity to pursue what you love.

11. You’ll no longer shirk from responsibility

Let’s face it, when you’re working the 9-5 you’re rewarded for shirking responsibility. When you take control of your life and follow your passion, it’s the other way around. When you follow your passion, only you can make it a success. Accountability is the name of the game and when you chase the dream, you’ll discover accountability is a powerful tool.

When you’re responsible for your own goals and direction, being able to determine what you can and can’t do is rewarding and will positively affect other areas of your life. You’ll feel empowered, everyday.

It’s time to take the next step with ICI

With dozens of courses on offer, there’s no better place start the journey and follow your dream. ICI offers all the training you need to make your dreams a reality. Browse our range of online courses and take the first step towards a career you’re passionate about, today.

Online, career focused education that suits your lifestyle.

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Gladys Mae

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Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.