When You Dream of a “Mindless” 9–5 Job (But You’re Really Just Tired)
You ever have one of those days where your to-do is:
Getting longer as you check off tasks?
Seems endless?
Like it's laughing at you?
Like, not a polite giggle — I’m talking a full-on, “Good luck with that, sweetheart” cackle.
Yeah… that’s today.
Some days, being a creative entrepreneur feels like magic. I’m surrounded by paints, paper, and possibilities. I can make my own schedule. I can work in pajamas — no judgment. I get to help people find joy through creativity, which feels like a privilege. I get to create and find joy in my own world.
But then there are days like this one… where I look longingly at my friends with steady, predictable 9–5 jobs.
Not because I think they’ve got it easy (I’ve been there, I know better), but because the idea of clocking out and actually being done for the day sounds like a luxury vacation.
I usually unplug on Sundays but yesterday I had so much to do to prep for 5 in person events this week. My poor husband said, "You are always working!" Some days it does feel like that.
When you work for yourself, there’s no real “off” button.
You’re constantly thinking about the next class, the next kit, the next video, the next email, the next post…
Your brain doesn’t get nights, weekends, or holidays off — it’s on a 24/7 shift. And while there’s a freedom in that, there’s also a sneaky kind of burnout that creeps in if you’re not careful.
The truth is:
It’s not that I actually want a “mindless” job. I love what I do too much for that. I’ve built something meaningful, personal, and fulfilling.
But I do want more moments where my brain is allowed to rest without guilt. Where I can read a book, go for a walk, head to the beach or just sit on the deck watching the sunset without thinking about paint colors, Pinterest keywords, or which camera angle will make my YouTube tutorial look best.
So if you’ve been feeling the same — like you’re on a never-ending mental hamster wheel — here’s my gentle reminder for both of us:
Whether you have the 9-5, a husband, kids, your own small business let's take these steps together.
-
Schedule an actual stop time. Even if it feels impossible. The work will be there tomorrow.
-
Let “good enough” be enough. Not every project needs to be perfect.
-
Take a guilt-free break. It’s not laziness, it’s fuel for your creativity.
-
Remember why you started. Exhaustion makes us forget. Rest brings it back.
Tonight, I’ll be heading to an in person class. I am packed up and ready to leave at 5:30 PM. And maybe tomorrow, I’ll remember that the beauty of this creative life is that I can make space for rest — I just have to give myself permission.
We ALL DO!
Because burnout doesn’t look good on anyone.
And if you need any help relaxing here are some of my previous blog posts:
https://www.thesilhouettespot.com/blogs/news/supporting-others-with-heart-in-life-and-in-business
-teresa XO
