Living Outside The 9 to 5

It’s Wednesday at 10am. On my second cup of coffee, I’m looking out the window at work and the streets of New York are bustling with life. Life is happening.  Some days I wish that could be me, free to explore the world at any hour without any cares or responsibilities.

But that’s not who I am and not how I was raised. Growing up I was taught that success in life was measured in stability. Doing well in school, going to a good college, getting a job at a reputable company, those were all signs that I was doing well in life. And that is how I live. I appreciate that my parents, teachers and friends have made me into a grounded individual. 

So Monday through Friday, between 9 to 5, I live my stable life. I drink my coffee, deal with all kinds of crazy people, excel at excel at work and then make my way home. It gives me routine and ya know, money. 

Some people are blessed to love what they do, and I am mega jealous. Maybe one day I will be so lucky but for now, for me, Life happens in the Off Hours.  It’s where I truly come alive. I get to eat all the delicious foods, spend quality time with my loved ones and explore all that life has to offer. Happy hour with friends, vacations to tropical islands, lazy Sundays watching football all happen off the clock and I am so grateful because memories are what make life worth living. 

I hope this collection of photographs, stories and moments can serve as a reminder to myself and others how much amazingness exists out in the world. So get that extra scoop of ice cream, take the last minute vacation, wear that gorgeous dress, and whatever you do, keep Living Outside the 9 to 5.