How to Avoid the All-Consuming Nature of a 9-5 Job

Good morning!

I hope this finds you well.

Welcome to another edition of The Matt Viera Newsletter.

The newsletter with the goal to inspire you to live the life you actually want to live.

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I did something this weekend I haven't done in about 18 months.

This weekend, I decided once and for all to invest time to do something for myself, something I am passionate about, and an activity that helps with mental well-being.

What did I do?

I played a video game.

Yes, I played a video game. I've been playing video games for years. I always will.

I have a library of video games and a computer I use to play video games.

For 18 months, my gaming computer has been nothing but a paperweight on my desk.

Playing video games is a serious hobby I haven't invested time into.

I invested the time this weekend, and I'm all the better for it.

But this week's newsletter is not about advocating for the positive benefits of playing video games (I certainly can if you'd like me to).

This newsletter is simply an attempt to answer a question I was recently asked on X (formerly Twitter):

"What's your advice on avoiding the all-consuming nature of 9-5 work?"

This question absolutely resonates with me for so many different reasons.

But it's a complicated question because every 9-5 career differs.

In thinking of an answer to the question, I noted several points I can probably write newsletter articles over the next several weeks addressing:

• Take breaks

• Set boundaries

• Limit distractions

• Reflect and adjust

• Learn to disconnect

• Invest in personal time

• Take care of your health

And these points barely scratch the surface.

So, I'll answer the question with 3 specific points:

1) Reflect and adjust

Like steering a ship (or commuting to work), regularly assess where you're headed and adjust your course as needed.

Minor course corrections today can lead to entirely new horizons tomorrow.

Figure out where you want to go, plan, and execute that plan ruthlessly.

2) Invest in personal time

For me, this is the be-all, end-all.

Invest in personal time like it's pure gold.

Pursue those hobbies, cherish those moments with loved ones, and relish in self-care.

After all, these moments give color to the canvas of our lives.

For me, it's getting off-grid, weekend camping trips, playing video games, and, most importantly, spending a month (or more) in Europe on a mini-retirement.

3) Always remember: life's entirely too short.

If you're working in a career that doesn't align with your:

• Goals

• Values

• The life you actually want to live

It may be time to consider a change and find a career that does.

Speaking from experience, I quit practicing law full-time for a career with a significantly better work-life balance.

Is my current career perfect?

Absolutely not.

Some days are absolutely nonsensical and, at times, can be all-consuming.

However, at the end of the day, I have the time to pursue my passions and explore the world.

I'm extremely lucky, fortunate, and grateful for my current career and the work-life balance I'm afforded, allowing me to live the life I want to live while working a 9-5 career.

The truth is: 9-5 careers are inevitable in life.

You must work a 9-5 career unless you're financially independent.

Knowing that, why would you let it consume your life?

While easier said than done, don't let it.

Find your balance.

If you're going to let anything consume your life, let your life be consumed by taking control of your finances and improving your net worth.

If I only knew in my 20s what I know now about personal finances, I'd be doing something other than working a 9-5 career in my 50s.

I'd be retired.

But, until I retire, I will do what I can to live the life I want while working a career that is not all-consuming.

As for this past weekend….

While I would've gone away for the weekend if it wasn't raining, I did the next best thing (for me): I played a video game.

Next weekend?

Maybe I’ll go camping and spend the weekend in a yurt.

Do you have any experiences or tips to share for achieving work-life balance?

If so, reply to this email. I'd love to hear about them.

Interesting reads:

Looking for a cool neighborhood to hang out in? Time Out reveals the ‘world’s coolest’ neighborhoods for 2023.

You can find the collection of my favorite financial tools & resources by clicking here.

Thanks for reading!

Please feel free to reply to this email with suggestions, questions, or comments.

I read every email.

If you have a question about personal finance, travel, or mini-retirements, email me and ask and I’ll discuss the answer in a future article.

If you enjoy The Matt Viera Newsletter, please forward this email to one person you believe would enjoy reading this.

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