Working 5 to 9 offers solution to job dissatisfaction

Guest post from Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation www.enterprisenation.com , a business expert, and author of ‘Spare Room Start Up’ and ‘Working 5 to 9’.

Job satisfaction has fallen to a record low according to an industry body whose research reveals employees are nervous of losing their jobs and unhappy about pay freezes and cuts. It’s a dismal situation but one that can be solved says business expert and author Emma Jones.

Last week’s survey of job satisfaction levels from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) based on responses from 2,000 employees, makes for miserable reading.

The report claims “worsening standards of living, falling job satisfaction, and high levels of job insecurity in the workplace” with the job satisfaction index having fallen to a record low. The survey revealed particular deterioration amongst public sector employees’ attitudes towards their jobs and management, as the impact of government spending cuts on jobs, pay and benefits kicks in.

But there is a way out of this malaise, claims Emma Jones who is founder of the home business website Enterprise Nation www.enterprisenation.com, a business expert, and author of two books, the most recent having been written for anyone who wants to start and build a business whilst holding on to the day job.

“The results from CIPD don’t come as a surprise” says Jones “we hear every day from employees who want to earn more and be more in control of their working life. This is why I wrote the book ‘Working 5 to 9’ which shows employees how to build a business after office hours. It’s the best way to start as you give yourself time to build confidence and cash, and before you know it you could be operating full time as your own boss and benefiting from the freedom and flexibility that comes with being self-employed.”

But not only can ‘Working 5 to 9’ increase earnings and confidence, claims Jones, it can also improve your attitude towards, and performance in, the day job. This is what happened for Rob Birkett who was disillusioned with being a lawyer at a London firm so decided to launch Leavinglaw.com as a possible route out of employment. Twelve months on and Rob’s site and business are going well, as is the day job:

“The cathartic experience of having leavinglaw outside of the day job actually lifts my spirits, and that is reflected in the enjoyment of my employment.”

David Sandy of Integreat Media says the same. By day, he is a web developer for the NHS and by night works for himself as a business development entrepreneur.

“I have been totally upfront with my employer about my self-employment status and continue to put 110% effort and dedication into my employed role. Integreat Media then gets the same amount of input from me from 5 to 9! Since starting the business, my business acumen has improved and I’ve learnt new management, customer service and accounting skills; all of which help my performance in the day job.”

As the impact of Government cuts continues to be felt and companies maintain the great pay freeze, expect to see employees respond in a way that bodes well for all; by working 5 to 9, employees will savour the security of the day job and taste the delight of self-employment. You really can have it all!