So, how long does it really take to escape the 9 to 5? This all depends on your situation and skill set. Some people from a sales background and with a large marketing budget have used an online business model to escape the 9 to 5 within a year. However, for most people, it will likely to longer than this. You firstly need to identify what it actually would take for you to quit your job. For most people this means bringing in the equivalent income you already earn but without working any more.

So for some this is a larger amount than for others. With an online business, you have a scalable system and so the income you can potentially earn isn’t capped like with employment.
The longer you can hold on to your job the better, because your employment income can be used to advertise your online business. However, sometimes letting go of a job can help you focus more if you’re in the position to do so. Still, it’s worth keeping in mind that building an online business takes time and effort. So it is better to have a job when you’re relying on the income from it. It can take some time to learn about online marketing techniques and of course this takes budget too.
How Long Does It Really Take To Escape The 9 To 5?
Another consideration is the journey you take of course. Escaping the 9 to 5 can be done in a number of different ways. You can start your own enterprise, build an online business, find a dream job. You can escape the 9 to 5 with a service based business if that floats your boat.
When I was struggling with 9 to 5 jobs in my 20’s, I met a stuntman and it gave me the inspiration I needed to set about becoming a stuntman. More about this in my about me page. Motivation goes a long way and if you’re inspired, you’re much more likely to follow through than if your job is actually ok, and you’re not that bothered about leaving it!

So although the time taken to escape the 9 to 5 fully is going to be different for everyone, it can definitely be speeded up with the right inspiration and motivation. Your situation also matters and if you have a family to feed, it’s going to be different than if you’re single and living at home with your parents!
For me the online business journey wasn’t a linear one. I struggled for quite a long time due to having no regular work. My stunt contracts were sporadic when I started earning from the stunt business and this is why I eventually looked to the internet for another source of income.
How Long Does It Really Take To Escape The 9 To 5 – Start With Why?
Simon Sinek wrote a great book “Start With Why” which is a great read and highly recommended. Your “why?” is a great motivator, or not, depending on what it is. If you have been made redundant and you have to make your online business work, it’s a huge motivator. If you simply cannot stand where you work any more, and your soul is crying out for change, it’s a great motivator.
But if you’re only looking around and your job is alright and you don’t mind your boss, or the commute, you’re less likely to put yourself through the hardships which come with building an online business, for example, or pursuing your dream job. Your “why?” is the reason you do it. With a strong enough “why” you can overcome almost any “how”.
Why The Online Business Model Is The Best Answer
If you’re short of inspiration and don’t have another plan, the online business model is a good choice. Here’s a few reasons why it is:
- It’s already working – for thousands of people
- The online business market is already booming
- People are buying online more and more, and less from the shops
- You can learn step by step following a simple strategy
- You don’t need your own products/service
Not only is the online world booming, with more people buying online than ever before, but this is set to continue. Making sales online is about getting between the customer and the product. With the affiliate marketing model, this is a simple strategy. You don’t need your own products because you can use existing products which already sell. Another reason is because it is fast. Modern online marketing strategies can allow you to reach people globally very quickly.
Fastest Business Model Online – Email Marketing
Having stumbled quite a bit in my early days as an affiliate marketer, I learned a lot about various online business models. The fastest one is what is promoted on this website through the free video series. Check them out if you haven’t already signed up. But before I share here’s a few mistakes which led me here. My first venture as an affiliate was on Amazon, like many beginner affiliates. I promoted books! Silly idea now looking back because they pay so little. I also used only organic marketing, which was unreliable and sporadic. I just didn’t know any better back then.

Skip to 5 years later and I found an online business model which is completely different. It uses:
- Subscription and high ticket products
- Paid advertising – faster, more reliable and scalable
- Email marketing – collect emails, sell products en-mass
These three principles are what I consider to make a massive difference with selling online. With standard affiliate products you only get paid once. With subscription products you get paid over and over again by the same customers. High ticket items too allow you to make more per exchange of value. This means paid advertising is more doable.
With a business model like this you can start generating income quite quickly. This will depend of course on your ability to follow the step by step instructions and follow a marketing strategy you can stick to. With a larger marketing budget, you can see dramatic results quickly. However, it’s worth grounding yourself first and getting it right – starting with a low and affordable daily budget while you learn.
Summary
So, how long does it really take to escape the 9 to 5? Here’s a short summary of some of the main things to consider:
- What is your motivation? Start with “Why” – A highly motivated person can escape 9 to 5 quite quickly if they really want it – perhaps within a year.
- What is your situation? Have you savings? Do you have a family and 4 kids or are you still living at home with parents?
- How badly do you need change? A person who desperately wants out of a job is more motivated to succeed with another income source.
With the online business model described here, I have personally seen people create financial and geographical freedom within a year. But more commonly it will take longer, depending on your background, finances and situation.
If you’re ready to get started and build an online business from scratch, access the free video series on this website.