'Stability isn't a trap': Workers dispute whether a 9 to 5 is better than other types of work

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Feb 14, 2025 1:00 PM EST

Alongside things like the level of education that we get and who we choose to marry, what we do for work and how we do it can be one of our most defining life decisions. Most able adults spend a significant portion of their lives and a significant amount of hours in a day dedicated to making an income, so it really matters that they are doing something that they can at least find tolerable. 

It could be argued that public opinion on what constitutes a 'good' way to earn a living has changed a lot as the 21st century has progressed. Once upon a time, a white-collar job with a 5-day week was the pinnacle of comfort, but there are plenty of people these days who are eschewing tradition in favor of hustle culture, and getting to be their own boss. There is more than one way to make money.

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    Cheezburger Image 10467692032
    via Toa Heftiba (Unsplash+)

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.


     

  • This is something that caused some controversy on Twitter recently when one individual decided to defend the concept of 9 to 5 jobs. Arguing that they offered a sense of stability that wasn't always found with self-employment or other modes of work, there were plenty of people who were eager to disagree. That being said, many others also saw the point being made.

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    مريم" + @zaahaaraaa Hating on 9-5 jobs is peak delusion. 9-5 is 'slavery' but your 'escape the matrix' plan is working 24/7 with no stability, no benefits, and no guaranteed income? Stability isn't a trap—it's a privilege. Go outside and touch grass
    via zaahaaraaa
  • 03
    *+ @zaahaaraaa Replying to @zaahaaraaa 'I could never do a 9-5' but you're working 24/7 on your 'multiple income streams' and 'high-value man' mindset just to make €37 this month from dropshipping. Keep hustling bro
    via zaahaaraaa
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    Chase @chaselikesports Replying to @zaahaaraaa I did the grind for 2/3 years and now I'm basically traveling as much as I want. Little computer work to manage the team, but can be done wherever. 9-5 isn't guaranteed income either. Can be fired at literally any time for no reason.
    via chaselikesports
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    Sharma Sudeep @SharmaSudeep8 Replying to @zaahaaraaa The concept of going for entrepreneurship is great but go only when you have real commitment and ready to grind it (not for the social Media sake only)
    via SharmaSudeep8
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    @ariesvenusssss Replying to @zaahaaraaa Just cause you can't do it don't mean someone else won't make it
    via ariesvenusssss
  • 07
    Barbie @luxebarbie_ Replying to @zaahaaraaa Finding a happy medium is peak
    via luxebarbie_
  • 08
    Appalachian Wood H... ❤ @AppWoodHome Replying to @zaahaaraaa Yeah...but I'm happier working like crazy for myself with less security and stability.
    via AppWoodHome
  • 09
    IG @IGTweetsX Replying to @zaahaaraaa Do what's best for you and your life, each to their own and success for all. No need for anyone to sh on anyone's choices.
    via IGTweetsX
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    Johnny Black @JohnnyBlack_HS Replying to @zaahaaraaa I can't work under such a broken incentive structure. Maybe you can, but I feel my soul rotting every hour I'm there. No amount of "stability" is worth that.
    via JohnnyBlack_HS
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    Dollar Store Thor @onebigorangecom Replying to @zaahaaraaa I would totally close my business for a good paying actual 9-5. But...Jobs have morphed into 7:30-5:30 with after hours slack/email/group texts and working lunches. We also need you to come in half a day Saturday for a meeting and group planning session.
    via onebigorangecom
  • 12
    oatmeal influencer @acechhh a 9-5 and WFH every friday completely changed my mental health. People who have never done shift work/changing schedules will struggle to understand just how detrimental it can be to your personal life and relationships
    via acechhh
  • 13
    Jason Okundaye @jaseokundaye Literally love my 9-5 I'm never going back if I can help it
    via jaseokundaye
  • 14
    Luna@lunavoyd trying to counter grind/hustle culture by being pro labor exploitation is crazy work
    via lunavoyd
  • 15
    halalmamii@ لیلی Felt, but I think the hate is coming from the dissatisfaction of how little it gets you. 9-5 used to mean a guarantee of a certain lifestyle and peace of mind that even six figs can't obtain rn because of inflation. It absolutely feels like being stuck in the matrix sometimes.
    via halalmamii
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    ? @iamfinetyandyou ??? Yeah the stability is nice (and I'm very grateful), but being at the beck and call of a company/institution that doesn't give a sh about you, schedule inflexibility, feeling stagnant in your career, etc. are all very, very valid reasons to hate a 9-5
    via iamfinetyandyou
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    kyle (idiot) @notlarryenticer I think people should just do what works best for them
    via notlarryenticer
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    Rose coloured confused @NotNeerfa The most frustrating thing is that I actually like my 9-5 job & I really value my field (clinical research). All I want is to be paid enough to live without stress in this economy, & to have more days in the week to live my life
    via NotNeerfa
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    A. @UfffTeriiadaa You can be grateful for your 9-5 and still hate it
    via UfffTerriiadaa
  • 20
    DogeShaman @dshaman_ There are more than two options
    via dshaman__
  • 21
    Ozzy @BrockOzzywozzy Every accounting firm and finance bro trying to explain that a 9-5 is horrible and that working 80+ hour weeks for higher pay is much more enjoyable
    via BrockOzzywozzy
  • 22
    Justin Lynch @JL7NCH Stability at a corporation is an illusion. Not only are you likely miserable, you're infinitely replaceable. Enjoy the next few years in your cubicle before you're replaced by an Al agent, bubs.
    via JL7NCH
  • 23
    LYF @loveyouferina personally believe 9-5 is only a means to an end. people that hate on 9-5s don't have the social/technical skills to survive in a place that thrives on accountability. but for me, 9-5 is the best way to learn the workings of what it means to own something and ensure it works.
    via loveyouferina
  • 24
    Фекла жабовна @toaderness the biggest lie ever in the world is that being an entrepreneur somehow lets you escape the traps of capitalism, when in reality it just strips you of the basic safety net protections offered by the state to the employees
    via toaderness
  • 25
    Dahoud @s1ngad1nga At the same time, you are literally expendable to your employer. At least multiple income streams guarantees that you have something coming in no matter what. With a 9-5, the only thing standing between you and the horrors of unemployment is a 3-4 week notice period
    via s1ngad1nga
  • 26
    Ryan Silvi @RJSilvi This is corporate propaganda lol. We're all so scared to take risks and be a little uncomfortable. (Maybe) 100 years of life with no guarantee of ever doing this again, if you're healthy and capable, you better spend a few years chasing some sh larger than yourself.
    via RJSilvi
  • 27
    chasutthde@ نور Also doing a 9-5 is the only thing besides parents that will provide you a base to build on your "escape the matrix" empire! Well said a
    via chasutthde

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employee 9 to 5 work working entrepreneur twitter Twitter Thread debate hustle culture grind business
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