I built a six-figure remote business and walked away from the 9 to 5 at age 46. Every Tuesday, I email a story, tip, or idea to help you climb down the corporate ladder and live life on your terms.
This quiet decision is holding you back
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I left my 9–5 three years ago. And while I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to work for myself, to choose my projects, my hours, and where I work, I'm amazed by how easily I still fall into the trap of getting caught up in my business instead of building it. For me, that usually looks like this: constantly feeling the pressure to prioritize the freelance client who pays the bills today, instead of doing the work that will help me grow and ensure the bills are paid tomorrow. It’s replying to client emails, editing drafts, or chasing invoices, when I know I should also be doing things like creating new products, improving my systems, or finding better ways to reach people who need my help. Earlier this year, I made a promise to myself: spend time every day working ON my business, even if it’s only 30 minutes or an hour. Here are some examples of what building my business looks like:
These are the activities that move the needle and excite me the most. But this past week, I let a couple of days slip by without doing any of them, and I felt it. When I got back on track, the energy came right back. I felt alive again. It reminded me how important it is to spend at least a little time each day doing the work that excites me. That’s what fuels growth. Because when I skip it, I know what I’m really doing, I'm choosing to stay where I am. To be fair, where I am is good. But I also know that “good” can turn stagnant if I stop pushing forward. So, what does that look like for you? You don’t need to be growing a business. Maybe your thing is:
Whatever it is, here’s a simple truth: If this resonates with you but you’d like a little help figuring out how to get started with your side hustle or business, I’d love to chat. 👉 Book a free 30-minute call here, and we’ll come up with a simple plan to move you forward. 🚀 Are you ready to take action? Here's how we can connect: → Watch my YouTube interview on Solopreneur Life, with Andy Hill, where I share the story of how I went from burned-out bank manager to six-figure freelancer. → Join the conversation: My Facebook group, The 9-5 Escape Project, is a place for like-minded people who want the freedom to work on their terms. It's also the easiest way to connect with me, as I hang out there almost daily. Hop in and start connecting → Follow along: I share insights, strategies, and behind-the-scenes looks at life outside the 9-5 on Instagram — come say hi! |
9-5 Escape by Colin Graves
I built a six-figure remote business and walked away from the 9 to 5 at age 46. Every Tuesday, I email a story, tip, or idea to help you climb down the corporate ladder and live life on your terms.
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