Break free from the 9 to 5

It’s been 40 years since Dolly Parton’s huge hit bemoaning the strife of the 9 to 5 was released, yet it’s still the shift pattern that most of us are stuck with.

At some point in our working lives, many of us will feel the need to escape from the gruelling grind of the traditional ‘day job’.

Well, the good news is, thanks to the huge variety of roles available on jobs24.com, there are exciting alternatives for those who simply don’t do 9 to 5.

These are jobs that offer newfound freedom not only in working hours but also in expression, creativity and passion.

If you’re a fan of the internet – and can’t get enough of piano-playing cats and Winnie the Pooh memes – you’re going to love this one: being paid to Tweet, post on Facebook, share Instagram updates and respond to all manner of online inquiries, requests and reposts.

Yes, being a social media manager is the business. And for most freelancers, there’s no clocking in or out. Promoting a company and maintaining a brand’s online presence across different social media platforms means constant monitoring and consistent posting but all of this can be achieved mostly around hours of your own making.

Conor Murray, who manages platforms and blogs for several different retail firms, explains: “No two minutes are the same. I can be replying to Facebook inquiries, then promoting a podcast before moving immediately to Twitter for another client. It’s fast-paced and it’s never ever dull!”

Another alternative job that’s fast-paced – even if you’ve left the rat race far behind – is that of the fitness instructor. Being able to set your hours and often your location – from park to gym to client’s office – means this certainly is not a normal 9-5 job. Just ask Lorna Carson, whose typical working day begins with her first client no later than 6am.

“I usually train three clients, take half an hour to eat then get straight back into it. I eat again around noon, take a couple of hours between to train myself before eating and getting back to work for the last few clients from about 4.30 until 8pm.”

It sounds tough, and it is, but Lorna adds: “Getting paid to do what you love and making a career out of it is surely the ultimate dream.”

As well as setting out on your own like Lorna, you can become a coach for a sports association or an instructor in one of the UK’s many health clubs and gyms. There are also associated health and fitness roles, such as a nutritionist, massage therapist and even sports psychologist.

Another fulfilling job sector is hospitality where it’s your mission to ensure others enjoy themselves. This is especially true if you’re an events coordinator tasked with creating conferences, tradeshows and corporate gatherings but also making dreams come true, such as organising wonderful weddings and hosting special get-togethers.

Although you’ll typically be expected to be on hand during the event itself, much of the actual work is in the planning and you can work this creative stage around your programme and daily diary.

For Carol Thomson, who has been an events manager for five years, the role offers the space to be truly creative.

“When I worked in marketing everything was aligned to the company brand and image – and the clock. Now I work closely with many different clients to meet their needs and aspirations, but I’m able to express myself and share my ideas.

“There can’t be many jobs where you get to give such free reign to your imagination.”

Want to find your own freedom? Channel your inner Dolly and find freedom with the latest alternative roles on jobs24.com.

Posted on January 29, 2020