When the rat race takes time

The rat race – what an unfortunate term. And yet it illustrates how a lot of the working-class feel – going to work every weekday (and some weekends) for many years and yet not feeling fulfilled. Not to mention, long working hours seem to be the norm lately. The heart-breaking aspect of the rat race is the illusion many people have that a job can fulfill their dreams. Admittedly those that love what they do in their job can find fulfillment. Such people however are in the minority.

As a side-hustler myself, I find myself in tricky situations where work is taking up so much of my time, that I am unable to give enough time to my hustle. So how does one balance the two? As one idiom puts it, “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” I am therefore careful not to let my own companies affect my normal job – as the “9 to 5” pays the bills. At the same time, I make time for my side-hustle even if the amount of time is not ideal.

Here is the catch though – what is the effect of the balancing act in the long term? If I choose to continuously give more time to my job, in the long term my own companies might not succeed. But I will flourish at my job. On the other hand if I spend more time on my side hustle at the expense of my productivity of my job, then I could lose my job. Another scenario is to do only what is required at my 9 to 5 (in other words just be an average employee), and spend sufficient time on my own companies. We each have to choose what is more important – the rat race versus creating and running your own company.

I gotta say, the so-called balancing act is very difficult. There is no formula. At least from my experience. My advice is when those times come, where the rat race consumes most of your time, think long term and make a decision. Hustle on.