In defence of the 9-5

 

Growing up in East Africa in the ’90s, the road to success seemed pretty straightforward: do well in school, get good grades, earn a degree, land a stable 9-5 job, work hard, and save for retirement. It was a tried-and-tested formula that had worked for the previous generation. But even back then, there were signs that things weren’t as secure as they seemed.

Economic changes in the region led to job cuts and restructuring in the public sector, leaving hundreds of thousands of professionals out of work. The once-stable 9-5 didn’t seem so solid anymore.

Still, for many, the dream remained—that is, until the 2000s came along with a new way of thinking. Books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki changed the game, making us rethink what success and financial freedom actually looked like.

The War on the 9-5

In Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Kiyosaki contrasts his two father figures. His biological father, a well-paid university professor, is called the “poor dad” because he lives paycheck to paycheck and gets stuck in the “rat race.” On the other hand, the author's mentor, the “rich dad,” finds financial freedom by investing in assets that generate passive income. Kiyosaki’s message? We shouldn’t work for money—money should work for us.

And that message was appealing. Suddenly, everyone I knew wanted "money working for them." Whenever I think of this phrase, I imagine someone relaxing on a beach in the Bahamas, sipping on a tropical drink, while receiving daily texts from their bank, saying, “Your account has been credited.” The idea is that while they’re chilling, their money’s hard at work, bringing in income while they live their best life.

The dream? Retire by 40, let your money do its thing, and trade in office wear for shorts and T-shirts. Every day becomes a weekend—no work stress, just time for hobbies, travel, and family.

Gen Z and the 9-5: Rethinking Work

Fast forward to Gen Z, and this scepticism toward the 9-5 has only grown. Unlike previous generations, they’ve come of age in a world where job security is uncertain, living costs are high, and remote work and digital entrepreneurship are more accessible than ever. Gen Z wants flexibility, work-life balance, and meaningful work over the old-school idea of career stability.

The 9-5: A Caricature

In this new narrative, the 9-5 is the villain. The stereotype? A tired worker with a tiny desk, drowning in emails that all begin with “I hope this email finds you well”.

 Then there’s the book The Millionaire Fastlane, which paints an even worse picture of the 9-5: the worker exchanges five days of “work bondage” for just two days of freedom on the weekend. They save money, invest conservatively, and hope they can retire at 65 to finally enjoy life—but by then, they’re probably too old to drive that Lamborghini they dreamed of, and their savings might be spent on medical bills instead.

But if the 9-5 is so terrible, what are the alternatives?

The Alternatives

For some, choosing alternatives to the 9-5 is born out of necessity—simply not being able to find a stable job. But for others, it’s a conscious decision to seek more autonomy and flexibility.

This section focuses on the latter.

The Entrepreneur

The dream is to be your own boss, do what you love, and work when you want. The entrepreneur starts their own business—say, a coffee shop—and hopes to scale it into a successful chain. If successful, they may achieve financial independence and have more time to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

But before a business matures, it often requires long hours, financial risks, and the reality that clients become your new bosses. The pressure of wearing multiple hats—marketing, accounting, customer service, dealing with taxes—can feel overwhelming. And with nearly half of all businesses failing within five years, stability is far from guaranteed. The entrepreneurial journey can be exhilarating, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

The Gig Worker

Then there are gig workers—freelancers, consultants, and influencers—who love the freedom to choose their own work, clients, and schedules. The appeal is strong: set your rate, work when you want, and work with people you like.

But here’s the downside: inconsistent pay, no job security, and a never-ending need to market yourself. Even the most successful influencers have to sacrifice their privacy to build their brand. The gig economy often offers fleeting moments of freedom, but stability can be elusive, and the need to constantly hustle is ever-present.

The Side Hustler

The side hustler is an interesting hybrid: people who keep their 9-5 job but add a side business to bring in extra income. This extra stream can offer more financial freedom, and in some cases, the side hustle becomes the main hustle.

But, like anything else, it’s not always smooth sailing. An unsuccessful side hustle can drain both time and money, and juggling a 9-5 with a side gig can feel like keeping multiple balls in the air—one wrong move and everything comes crashing down.

And across all these alternatives—whether it’s launching a startup, freelancing, or running a side hustle—there’s another challenge that doesn’t get talked about enough: keeping personal and business finances separate. It’s easy to dip into business money for personal expenses, but  if this habit goes unchecked, it can eventually lead to the business collapsing.

The Case for the 9-5: Stability Amidst the Chaos

While the idea of leaving the 9-5 for a more flexible job sounds tempting, alternative careers come with their own set of challenges. Meanwhile, traditional jobs—despite all their flaws—come with some clear benefits.

Some people thrive in structured environments where they can focus on their expertise and make a meaningful impact within an organization. Organizations rely on skilled professionals—bankers, accountants, lawyers, lecturers, engineers, analysts, doctors, and administrators—who bring deep knowledge and stability to their fields. A well-run organization provides the right framework for these individuals to thrive, allowing them to do what they do best without the risks that come with running a business.

Beyond that, work isn’t just about making money—it’s about purpose, contribution, and fulfilment. Many people find deep satisfaction in solving complex problems, mentoring colleagues, or being part of a mission-driven organization. Not everyone is drawn to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship; for some, the joy comes from excelling in a profession they love, within a team they respect.

A steady paycheck reduces financial uncertainty, unlike the up-and-down income of entrepreneurs and freelancers. This stability creates a solid foundation that allows people to plan ahead—whether that means saving for a home, investing in a side hustle, or simply covering monthly expenses without stress.

That said, the 9-5 isn’t universally great. Some workplaces are toxic, some salaries barely cover the cost of living, and job security isn’t always guaranteed. Instead of glorifying or demonizing any one path, perhaps the real takeaway is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

For some, a 9-5 job offers stability and a chance to contribute to something meaningful. For others, the freedom of entrepreneurship or gig work might be worth the uncertainty. The trick is to figure out what you truly value and choose a path that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and comfort with risk.