How do you grow consistently with a full time 9-5?
How do you write, post, build products, maintain relationships and stay psychologically sustainable without turning your entire life into a performance treadmill?
That’s what this piece is about.
I like the point about building a product earlier than you think you should. The strongest ideas often come from problems we are trying to solve ourselves in real time.
In my case, it is understanding what replaces 50+ hours of work and commuting once that structure disappears. The more I explore that question, the more I realise rhythm, identity, and purpose do not automatically rebuild themselves after work ends.
It's an interesting point to consider that part-time creators often feel this urge to want to create 10 things at one time, when in reality, focusing on one thing and building relationships along the way supersede that 10 times out of 10. I, too, am a victim of this.
I do think that with families and the responsibilities in our households, along with the limited time people have in a 9-5 role, there's a lot of pressure to do more every day and be great as quickly as possible, when doing less but being more intentional with your work, weights a lot heavier on the scale. Full time creators have time to explore everything, but the real advantage is part timers being structural with the content they provide (and not just watching a YouTube video every day waiting for the "opportunity" to start something).
I am gearing up to start writing my Substack and I found this post hugely helpful. Thank you! I know what I want to do more or less but your thoughts were very helpful to me for giving it some form and focus.
Excellent points and great encouragement. I have been building my newsletter for years and will soon launch a podcast for the reasons you state: to build relationships and learn from others. Good luck on your new adventures!
Thank you! Number five hit home. I worked in an overstimulated environment for a long time. I should know better as a social scientist, busyness does not produce quality. Since my epiphany, I’ve pulled away from the noise to work on what I enjoy. Our up coming move back to Hungary plays a big role in slowing down to discover and explore. Also, looking forward to the walkability. Something lacking in the U.S..
Thank you! Our second time around. The first move to Hungary was shortened by my mother’s dementia diagnosis. Looking forward to returning and visiting with family.
I like the point about building a product earlier than you think you should. The strongest ideas often come from problems we are trying to solve ourselves in real time.
In my case, it is understanding what replaces 50+ hours of work and commuting once that structure disappears. The more I explore that question, the more I realise rhythm, identity, and purpose do not automatically rebuild themselves after work ends.
It’s definitely worth thinking about, as you point out work is not just about money…
It's an interesting point to consider that part-time creators often feel this urge to want to create 10 things at one time, when in reality, focusing on one thing and building relationships along the way supersede that 10 times out of 10. I, too, am a victim of this.
I do think that with families and the responsibilities in our households, along with the limited time people have in a 9-5 role, there's a lot of pressure to do more every day and be great as quickly as possible, when doing less but being more intentional with your work, weights a lot heavier on the scale. Full time creators have time to explore everything, but the real advantage is part timers being structural with the content they provide (and not just watching a YouTube video every day waiting for the "opportunity" to start something).
I am gearing up to start writing my Substack and I found this post hugely helpful. Thank you! I know what I want to do more or less but your thoughts were very helpful to me for giving it some form and focus.
So glad to hear it helped
Excellent points and great encouragement. I have been building my newsletter for years and will soon launch a podcast for the reasons you state: to build relationships and learn from others. Good luck on your new adventures!
This is really helpful and something I needed to read.
Thank you! Number five hit home. I worked in an overstimulated environment for a long time. I should know better as a social scientist, busyness does not produce quality. Since my epiphany, I’ve pulled away from the noise to work on what I enjoy. Our up coming move back to Hungary plays a big role in slowing down to discover and explore. Also, looking forward to the walkability. Something lacking in the U.S..
Good luck with the move. That’s a big step…they often change things for the better
Thank you! Our second time around. The first move to Hungary was shortened by my mother’s dementia diagnosis. Looking forward to returning and visiting with family.