The 9-to-5 Myth

“I have good news for any woman feeling trapped by her 9-to-5 job, especially in this uncertain economy,” proclaims Dr. Kristin Cardinale.

Author of The 9-to-5 Cure, Cardinale says even though massive unemployment has swept the country, many are discovering that the stability of a 9-to-5 job is a smoke-and-mirrors proposition. “Many are transitioning to entrepreneurship for stability, not to mention a better quality of life.”

Ready to break the cycle? You’re not alone. “Freelancers are entering the workforce en masse,” says Cardinale, adding that nearly one-third of today’s workforce is composed of freelancers. Her strategy of freelance-based entrepreneurship, called 

The Patchwork Principle, involves working in several flexible jobs simultaneously to enhance skill sets and take part in a broader market base to prevent being left high-and-dry by a single employer. 

Prefer the 9-to-5 lifestyle? You can still improve your career by thinking like an entrepreneur. “Be indispensible and become an innovator by imagining new and unexplored possibilities for you company and pitching compelling proposals to decision makers, instead of accepting the status quo,” Cardinale says. More companies are starting to offer flexibe hours, like accounting firm Ernst & Young.

Want more? Before deciding to become a Patchworker, Quint Careers suggests asking yourself: do you have the focus, organizational skills and ability to drum up your own leads? Being aware of opportunities outside of a 9-to-5 may become necessary as more companies move away from this traditional workplace concept.

Bonus PINK Link: Is your 9-to-5 keeping you in your comfort zone? Here’s how to venture outside of it – and advance your career.

By Caroline Cox

“If you’re never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it
means you never take any chances.” Julia Sorel