Romanticizing Your Life With a 9-5; How to Find Purpose After Work
By Yana Kouretas
As we collect our diplomas and embark on this new chapter of life, we're faced with a crossroads that leaves us wondering: How do we lean into the stability and routine of a 9-5, but find ways to keep our lives exciting outside of work?
Like many others, we leave the office at the end of the day with an insufficient level of purpose and satisfaction. Drained, indifferent, or unfulfilled are some words to use.
After we graduate from college, we’re suddenly hit with the full gravity of adult responsibilities: from finances, new friendships, relationships, a new city, and navigating a new career. While the security of the 9-5 may be a welcome change after late nights at the library and long weekends out with friends, transitioning into post-grad also means leaving behind a period where exploration was encouraged and the ‘unknown’ felt exciting.
We can no longer free up time during the day by procrastinating our homework or skipping class; we have real obligations with big life implications if they aren’t properly attended to. So, all of that energy we expend on our careers means there's not much left for activities or people outside of work. Our free time feels aimless or unpurposeful since we use it to rest and recharge for the next day. And while an after-work date with a TV show and a glass of wine on your couch is unmatched, if we don’t pursue hobbies and interests outside of work, we end up tying our identities to our work and measuring our worth and success through career accomplishments.
If you’re in a rut or you’re struggling to enjoy life outside of work, skip your evening rotting session on the couch and spend more time doing things you love. Maximize your free hours in the morning and at night, to hone a new skill, practice a hobby that makes you happy, or spend time with friends who energize you. Let's get into it.
Get Outside:
Going on a walk or sitting at a park are arguably some of the simplest ways to unplug from work and distract yourself from the mental burden of your responsibilities. Sit on a blanket and read a good book—or listen to your favorite podcast on a scenic stroll. Better yet, kill two birds with one stone and invite a friend to come with you.
Sure, you can go outside anytime—including on the weekends. So, this might not feel like the ‘best’ way to maximize your time. But, it’s an easy way to differentiate your weeknights from staying in, remaining active after a long day sitting down, and, if you live in a new city, exploring your neighborhood or community.
Try a New Recipe:
The dreaded predicament we all face after work—what to make for dinner. We turn to a few different options; leftovers, meal prep, takeout, or something in between. It’s easy and effortless.
Naturally, the thought of going to the grocery store after work and spending an hour (or two) on a new recipe sounds exhausting to most of us. But it’s actually a great way to release stress, distract yourself, and simply get better at cooking! And you don’t even have to leave your house to do it.
So, pour yourself a glass of wine, turn on some music or your favorite show, and get to work on that recipe you’ve always wanted to try. It may not be the most glamorous after-work activity, but it forces you to use some creativity, learn something new, and have a delicious meal to look forward to.
Join a Run Club or a Local Sports Rec League:
Yes, yes, we know it’s a little cliche. But the truth is—it’s as fun as it looks in the Instagram videos. If you’ve moved to a new city post-grad, a run club is a foolproof way to make friends and find a community. It’s also a way to hold yourself accountable for exercising or getting outside. You can try out a new (or loved) hobby and although the running part may be miserable, you’ll quickly bond with strangers who are in the same position.
On the same side of the coin, a local adult sports league will also get you outside and around new people. Try something new—like pickleball and softball—or join a sport you loved playing while growing up. Ask a coworker or a friend, or join your community's Facebook page to see what leagues are available. The message here: clear your head and don’t take yourself too seriously.
*Courtesy of Pinterest
Host a Board Game Night or watch your Favorite Show with Friends:
Plans with friends shouldn’t be exclusively for the weekends. Mix it up and invite your friends over on a weeknight for a reality TV night (think Bachelor, Love Island) or host a game night. Surround yourself with people who will give you an outlet to vent, release stress, and overall boost your mood. Plus, if you turn it into a weekly occurrence, your week will feel a little less mundane and a little more exciting if you have a planned girls' night to look forward to.
*Courtesy of Pinterest
Spend an Hour of your Evening, Dedicated to a Hobby or Interest
The last thing many of us want to do is put in more time and effort after an already emotionally and mentally taxing day—toward something else. But if you continue putting off that 'thing' you want to learn or get better at, you’ll never take the leap and get started. There will always be an excuse.
It doesn’t have to be quite as big of an endeavor as learning a new language or starting a side hustle (although it can be). You can start as small as reading a new book or trying a new workout class on YouTube. These small moments will help you find meaning outside of your career, push you to use your creativity, and truly put the ‘life’ in work-life balance.