How I saved $50k to quit my 9–5 💸 (side hustles, saving hacks, payday routine)

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Introduction

After three years in banking, I made the bold decision to quit my 9-to-5 job to start a business and create content full-time. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice; it was a carefully planned move backed by a strategic financial plan. Despite earning a modest salary—equivalent to $1,000 to $4,000 USD per month in Malaysia—I managed to save enough to leave corporate life behind. In this article, I’ll share the exact financial strategies, money-saving hacks, payday routines, and side hustles that made this possible. My goal is to inspire and guide anyone dreaming of their own exit from the 9-to-5 grind, regardless of their starting point.

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My Background

Hi, I’m Tika, and I quit my corporate job last year to live life on my own terms. My journey began in Malaysia, where corporate salaries, especially for entry-level roles, are lower than in Western countries. Fresh out of university, I earned a modest income in banking, far from the high salaries often associated with finance. This reality check taught me that financial freedom isn’t just for those with high-paying jobs—it’s achievable with the right strategy, even if you feel like you’ve been dealt a tough hand.

Mindset Shift: Playing Your Cards Right

When I started planning my exit, I often felt discouraged watching others quit high-paying jobs in places like London or New York. Their circumstances seemed worlds apart from mine. But I realized that financial freedom is like a game of Uno: even with a challenging hand, you can win with a smart strategy. This mindset shift was crucial—it’s not about the cards you’re dealt but how you play them.

The Two Levers of Financial Freedom

Building wealth comes down to two simple principles:

1. Save more.

2. Earn more.

Below, I’ll break down how I tackled both to achieve my goal.

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Part 1: Saving More

Track Your Expenses

The first step to saving is understanding where your money goes. I used the free version of the One Money app to track my expenses. This helped me identify “sinkholes”—areas where I was overspending, like activewear and gym clothes. Common pitfalls include unused subscriptions, frequent food delivery, eating out, and impulse purchases. Tracking expenses can feel daunting, but I found it easier by approaching it with compassion, as if analyzing a friend’s finances. This mindset reduces judgment and helps you focus on solutions.

Identify Wants vs. Needs

Recognizing the difference between wants and needs was a game-changer. For me, activewear felt like a need, but I reminded myself it was a want. Cutting back doesn’t mean eliminating these luxuries entirely—just reducing them significantly. I reframed this sacrifice as a step toward the ultimate luxury: freedom to live life on my terms. A strong “why” makes sticking to your plan easier.

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Money-Saving Hacks

Here are the hacks that worked for me:

• Declutter Expenses: I canceled unnecessary subscriptions like Netflix and switched to a cheaper phone plan, saving a little each month.

• Set Goals Before Buying: To curb impulse purchases, I tied purchases to milestones. For example, I didn’t buy a t-shirt I wanted until I could do a push-up. By the time I achieved the goal, I no longer wanted the shirt, proving many desires are fleeting.

• Socialize Smartly: I told friends I was in a money-saving phase, and we opted for budget-friendly or free activities. Surrounding yourself with frugal friends also helps; their habits rub off, and you can share saving tips.

• Automate Savings: I automated transfers to a separate savings account and investments on payday. This “pay yourself first” approach ensured I prioritized savings before spending on anything else.

• Maximize Retirement Contributions: In Malaysia, the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement savings scheme. I increased my contributions when possible, which built a significant chunk of my savings.

• Live at Home (If Possible): I rented my own place, but staying with family can save thousands. If you can, live at home while building your funds.

• Time Your Exit: I waited for my annual bonus before quitting, using it as a startup fund for my new venture.

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Part 2: Earning More

Saving is important, but there’s a limit to how much you can cut. Earning more, however, has no ceiling. I pursued multiple side hustles to boost my income, focusing on activities I enjoyed to make them sustainable.

My Side Hustles

1. Ghostwriting for a Book Blog: I connected with a blog owner through my Bookstagram account and wrote SEO-optimized book reviews and recommendations. Combining my love for reading and writing, this was a fulfilling and profitable gig.

2. Cat Airbnb: Through Petbacker, I cared for cats while owners were away. This required no startup capital, as owners provided all supplies. As a cat lover unable to own a pet, this was a perfect way to earn money while enjoying temporary pet companionship.

3. Modeling for Advertisements: I joined Evergreen Talent, attended their workshop, and created a portfolio. I auditioned for gigs like laundry detergent ads, which paid well per job compared to other hustles.

4. YouTube AdSense: While I don’t consider YouTube a side hustle, one viral video earned me the equivalent of half my monthly banking salary at its peak. YouTube rewards creators well, especially with high-view videos.

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Choosing the Right Side Hustle

I avoided side hustles that didn’t align with my interests, like tutoring GCSE students in math or science. While I was qualified, the prep work and lack of enjoyment made it unappealing. Instead, I chose hustles that felt like extensions of my passions, ensuring they were sustainable alongside my 9-to-5.

Starting Your First Side Hustle

To launch a side hustle, focus on two things:

1. What to Offer: Monetize an existing skill, like web design, baking, or reselling vintage items. If you lack monetizable skills, learn one through platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube. You can also use AI tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas based on your background and interests.

2. Where to Advertise: Promote your services on social media by creating a public account and sharing content about your offerings. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or niche sites like Petbacker can connect you with clients. For example, my friend sold pineapple tarts via Instagram, and I found modeling gigs through an agency’s WhatsApp group.

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The Importance of Enjoyment

Choose side hustles you love. If you’re already unhappy in your 9-to-5, adding unenjoyable side gigs will burn you out. My hustles—writing, cat-sitting, and modeling—aligned with my passions, making them feel less like work.

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Final Thoughts

Quitting my 9-to-5 was a calculated move made possible by disciplined saving and strategic side hustles. By tracking expenses, cutting unnecessary costs, automating savings, and building multiple income streams, I created a financial cushion to pursue my dreams. If you’re toying with a business idea or side hustle but aren’t sure where to start, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I’d love to help you brainstorm and plan your path to freedom.

Here’s to creating a life you love—take care and start playing your cards right today!

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