Why Most Millennials Aren’t 9-To-5 Workers

In these times of creating your own lane, it appears that millennials have taken that notion and ran with it. Many things like the economy, job security, and cultural beliefs are uncertain. According to Forbes, the same survey that found that 60% of Millennials left their company in less than three years discovered that the primary indicator of whether Millennials stay at a company is if there is a “good cultural fit.”

Here’s how millennial women are redefining what career success looks like, how they are navigating on their own terms, and why they prefer to set their own expectations and career forwardness.

“As a generation, we have been taught to question the status quo and I think it is right to look at alternative ways of structuring work that are more conducive to work-life balance and prioritizing things that fulfill you,” said Rebecca Lyons, Founder & CEO at Her Say

“We watched our Boomer parents work their lives away and save ‘living’ for retirement, only to get sick and die as soon as they retired,” said Jessica Bross,Ghostwriter, editor, and book coach at Cider Spoon Stories, LLC.

“I knew the traditional 9–5 wasn’t for me when my daughter started school and the math of childcare plus rigid hours stopped making sense,” said  Francheska Stone, Podcast Host & Creator of 9 to 5 Mom With A Pod. “Working West Coast hours from New Jersey meant missing family time, and I realized I wanted control over my day and work that aligned with my values, teaching other mom creators.”

Ultimately, jobs only work when they correlate to the person. While a 9-to-5 job may feel more stable for some, a more flexible job may be more accommodating to others. The main key is finding a job that offers a decent work-life balance, so you don’t risk the chance of getting burned out.

“I don’t think entrepreneurship is for everybody, and do believe that many people would be better off working a 9-5. A healthy labor market enables people to have options,” said Carli Fink, Workforce and Learning Consultant at Challenge Factory.

“No, it’s not for everyone,” said Iti Malken, Founder of LUMA Rituals. “Entrepreneurship demands resilience, self-motivation and comfort with uncertainty. Some people thrive in structure, and that’s fine. Stability can come from a 9-to-5 job or from owning a business. What matters is alignment with your personality and values.”

“To ensure stability, I still align myself with 9-5 systems, but as a contractor, so that I can maintain my autonomy,” said Jamie-Lee Denton, founder at The SelfRep Lawyer. “Additionally, I’m always learning, I have an accountant to help me manage my finances, and I regularly assess my progress for weak spots and fix them.” 

“I also accept that stability is a myth. Life is going to life, so I have to create as many rafts and jackets to ensure I stay afloat,” Jamie-Lee said.

“The best piece of advice I have is to start building your business while you still have a job,” said Alexa Starks, founder at Executive Moms. Alexa suggests working on it on the weekends, in the mornings before work or after work, but while you still have income. She believes that starting out as an entrepreneur isn’t guaranteed stability or income, so building savings and a safety net as much as you can will be beneficial.

If you’re a millennial trying to find your way, know that there are options. Whether you decide to work a 9-to-5 job or go the entrepreneurial route, the opportunities are there for the taking.

Remember to make smart and intentional decisions; and consult with a mentor or someone you trust before making major moves.