Dear 9-to-5: It’s not you, it’s me
Some jobs feel... empty. I get it. Not just empty - but repetitive, soul-sucking, pointless, exhausting, meaningless, painful, tiring... anything else you want to add in this list?
It’s like you’re showing up every day just to hit copy and paste on your life for five days a week (or even more). Emails. Meetings that could’ve been emails. Small talk. Tasks that feel like déjà vu, and then… you do it all again tomorrow.
It’s like you’re existing, but not really living - and maybe you even start to question yourself: Is it me? Am I the problem?
Especially if you’re someone with big dreams, creative energy, or just a desire for something more - this kind of work life can feel extra heavy.
But here’s something I’ve learned:
You don’t have to love your job to love your life.
You don’t have to tie your self-worth to your job title, your tasks, or how "exciting" your job is will not define you.
Your value isn’t measured by how passionate you feel from 9 to 5.
It’s in who you are beyond the job.
And sure - we all need a paycheck. But what if you flipped the script a little?
Instead of thinking, “I have to do this,” try, “This helps me fund my creative dreams, my side hustle, my weekend peace, my gym membership, or just my next Target run.”
Maybe this job is helping you build discipline. Or teaching you how to deal with people. Or how to advocate for yourself. Maybe it’s even building character (yes, even in those annoying meetings).
That one task you dread? Try getting really good at it - just to prove to yourself that you can.
That coworker you always avoid? Try connecting - you might be the bright spot in their day.
Let the job serve you. Don’t become a servant to it.
Find ways to challenge yourself, grow through it, and gather the lessons - even if the work itself isn’t the dream.
Because sometimes, the most “boring” chapters shape the most meaningful stories.
So my advice to you? Try showing up differently tomorrow. Even just 1% better. You might surprise yourself.
- with love. JiHun -
