Here's Why Your 9-5 Might Never Go Out Of Style
The average person checks their social media at least 17 times a day - which in turn is almost equivalent to every waking hour in the day.
When we get up, we check in on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and post a selfie before we even brush our teeth.
It doesn't matter what time I check my Instagram or Facebook, my timeline is always flooded with self-proclaimed entrepreneurs - you know those people that don't work 9-5's and try to sell the entrepreneurship lifestyle to anyone that will listen.
In this new era, everybody is screaming “I'm an entrepreneur," but honestly the reality is that everybody isn't meant to be an entrepreneur. Everybody doesn't have that type of hustle ingrained in them and are not built to own their own business - and that is okay. Just because you work 9-5 doesn't make you less of a girl boss or successful in your own line of work.
There is nothing wrong with working for a company as long as you work hard to be the best at what you do and are never complacent.
There are so many misconceptions that people have about working 9-5's and it causes people to run away from careers and companies that they were destined to work with. In my 9-5, I'm not sitting at a desk all day, staring at a computer, and sending unnecessary emails. I'm doing rewarding work everyday, and I am living out my dream of managing people and projects - and I do a damn good job at it too! Even outside of my 9-5, I am able to indulge in my hobby of writing every night because my work schedule is consistent and conducive to my lifestyle.
Despite what you may gather from self-proclaimed entrepreneurs on social media, you can still be popping with a 9-5. Listed below are my top 5 reasons why working a 9-5 can be the bomb.com.
1. A consistent, weekly schedule.
The theme for the year is being balanced, not busy. It is something that I have heard all over my Instagram feed. It is important that you find a way to be balanced and not busy in your life and learn how to be consistent as well. Everyday I know exactly what time I will go to work, and what time I will leave because my consistent 9-5 schedule allows me to. If you are an entrepreneur, you can still find a way to have a consistent schedule, but it becomes easier when you already know exactly what time your work starts and ends so that you can make room for other things.
2. The luxury of being off and getting paid on holidays.
When the holidays roll around, I am able to press snooze on my alarm a few extra times, watch The Real, chomp down on some pancakes, and then go back to bed for a mid-morning nap whenever I like. With most companies, depending on your position and the industry, you will have paid time off during the holidays. Throughout the year I work hella hard, so I love it when paid holidays roll around because it gives me the time off that I need.
3. Weekends are normally free.
Who doesn't love a good mimosa and a bomb brunch? I know I do! As I mentioned before, one thing that I love about having a normal 9-5 schedule is that I have weekends off so I am able to take care of my own business, partake in my favorite hobbies, and of course have a mimosa (or two, or three) at my favorite brunch spots.
4. Work normally stays at work.
Now, this can vary depending on what type of 9-5 that you have, but for many 9-5 type of jobs, once you leave at 5 P.M., then it is okay to leave “work at work." You won't get in trouble if you are not answering emails on the weekend or after hours, and often you will not be expected to bring projects home. I would advise that if you have your e-mail connected to your cell phone, try your best to not check emails until you are back at work. If you don't, it defeats the purpose of having a simple 9-5 schedule because you go from working 40 hours a week to 24/7.
5. You can get practice and the knowledge you need in business, before starting your own.
So, while you are working your 9-5, let's say you do want to one day pursue your hobby full-time, or partner with a friend in their business. If this is the case, you can get valuable experience in your own 9-5 job and you can apply what you learn to your own endeavors.
Even if you don't desire on being an entrepreneur, you can still get quality experience and knowledge on running a business without the heavy duty of being fully responsible.
If you didn't already, I hope you see that having a 9-5 can be just as great and rewarding as being an entrepreneur. Oftentimes, I don't think we give enough credit to our careers and our own successes in these spaces. As I mentioned before, everybody isn't built to be an entrepreneur and this is okay. You can be great in your own career path and can still make a difference.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Brittani Hunter is a proud PVAMU alumni and the founder of The Mogul Millennial, a business and career platform for Black Millennials. Meet Brittani on Twitter and on the Gram at @BrittaniLHunter and @mogulmillennial.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
Photo courtesy
Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
Photo courtesy
The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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