In a world where everyone seems to be talking about “escaping the rat race” and ditching their 9-5, I just want to pause and say this: I am actually grateful for mine (well, technically 9-5:30).
Don’t get me wrong – there’s absolutely no reason to stay in a toxic workplace. If that’s where you find yourself, you have every right to walk away and pursue something better. And if your dream is to build your own business, hustle hard, and eventually create a life of freedom, I get it. I truly respect that because I’ve been there too. Since the age of 21, I’ve run my own businesses, freelanced, and had a taste of everything from corporate blue chips to scrappy little start-ups. Each season taught me something valuable, but it also showed me that not every path looks the same, and that’s okay.
I’ve held all sorts of jobs over the years, picking up experience along the way. When I got pregnant, though, I was working for a company that treated me so poorly I couldn’t wait to get out. On top of that, childcare for twins would have cost more than I earned. I desperately wanted to stay home with my babies, and by God’s grace, I was able to do just that. I’ll never stop being thankful for that season, because not everyone gets that choice.
When my daughters were six months old, I started a blog and fell in love with creating content—especially sharing photos and little glimpses of our life on Instagram. But about 18 months later, their dad and I separated, and reality hit hard. Blogging wasn’t going to cover the bills. In a bit of a panic, I signed up for a social media course, picked up freelance clients, and hustled to keep everything afloat. The work was good, but the stress of unpredictable paychecks and late invoices nearly broke me.
Then came a door only God could open. I landed a contractor role that eventually grew into something bigger. Fast forward 7+ years, and I’m still at the same company, now working as a Senior Operations Manager. What started as 30-hour weeks has turned into a career I can actually be proud of.
Of course, there have been ups and downs – no job is perfect. But the flexibility of working from home, being able to juggle school runs with meetings, and having the stability of a consistent paycheck have been such incredible blessings. I couldn’t do half the things I do for myself and my girls without that support, and I don’t take it for granted.
That’s why I sometimes feel we undervalue the beauty of working for a company that genuinely supports us. Yes, the entrepreneurial dream is amazing for those who are called to it. But the guaranteed paycheck, the annual raises, the benefits, the paid holidays, and most importantly, the wonderful people you meet along the way – those things are blessings too.
And here’s what I’ve learned: gratitude doesn’t just “happen.” It’s something you practice. For me, that looks like starting my mornings with a quick prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for my job, my coworkers, and the stability You’ve given me.” I try to remind myself that my work is more than just earning money – it’s also an opportunity to serve, to grow, and to show up with integrity. When I close my prayers with “In Jesus’ name, Amen,” I’m reminded that all of it – every paycheck, every promotion, every bit of favor, comes from Him, not me.
So yes, I’m grateful for my 9-5. It might not be glamorous. It might not be the dream job people write books about. But it’s steady, it’s supportive, and it’s exactly what I needed in this season of life and for that, I’ll keep saying: Thank You, Jesus.
