{"id":27259,"date":"2024-08-12T16:46:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T16:46:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/?p=27259"},"modified":"2024-08-30T17:40:43","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T17:40:43","slug":"how-to-escape-the-rat-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Escape The Rat Race &#8211; 8 Proven Methods That Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The idea of the American dream is often contrasted with the nightmare of the so-called rat race. The rat race is the term we use to describe seemingly endless, unfulfilling work that barely covers our living expenses. Over the years, the rate race becomes a grueling existence, almost like a form of corporate slavery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people caught in the 9-5 grind are wondering how to get out of the rat race. And at WebMonkey, we believe anyone can achieve this goal. Between various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/side-hustle-list\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"19800\">side hustles<\/a> and financial tips, it's fully possible to gain freedom back over your time and future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Want some fast money makers? Checkout<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/earnin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">EarnIn<\/a><\/strong>: Borrow up to $750 against an upcoming paycheck to cover bills and expenses!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/turbodebt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">TurboDebt<\/a><\/strong>: Get fast debt relief assistance if you have $10,000+ in debt!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Escape_The_Rat_Rate\"><\/span><strong>How To Escape The Rat Rate<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#How_To_Escape_The_Rat_Rate\" title=\"How To Escape The Rat Rate\">How To Escape The Rat Rate<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#1_Visualize_The_Kind_Of_Life_You_Want\" title=\"1. Visualize The Kind Of Life You Want\">1. Visualize The Kind Of Life You Want<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#2_Reduce_Your_Cost_Of_Living\" title=\"2. Reduce Your Cost Of Living\">2. Reduce Your Cost Of Living<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#3_Begin_Investing\" title=\"3. Begin Investing\">3. Begin Investing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#4_Start_A_Side_Hustle\" title=\"4. Start A Side Hustle\">4. Start A Side Hustle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#5_Get_Rid_Of_Debt\" title=\"5. Get Rid Of Debt\">5. Get Rid Of Debt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#6_Create_An_Emergency_Fund\" title=\"6. Create An Emergency Fund\">6. Create An Emergency Fund<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#7_Track_Your_Progress\" title=\"7. Track Your Progress\">7. Track Your Progress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#8_Switch_To_A_Career_Your_Love\" title=\"8. Switch To A Career Your Love\">8. Switch To A Career Your Love<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-escape-the-rat-race\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Visualize_The_Kind_Of_Life_You_Want\"><\/span><strong>1. Visualize The Kind Of Life You Want<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step in getting out of the rat race is to visualize the kind of lifestyle you want instead. After all, you want to have a gameplan in mind as you work towards a specific goal so you know which direction you're heading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visualizations aren't just hocus-pocus, but are grounded in a particular science called neuroplasticity\u2014the study of how the brain builds and organizes synaptic connections. And it's why outlining the kind of life you want instead of the rat race is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, in a survey TD Bank conducted of 500 business owners, they found that 67% believed that looking at physical pictures of their goals would help actualize them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, take some time to outline your goals and the kind of life you want instead of the rat race. Do you want to stop <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/sick-of-having-no-money\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"19259\">struggling with money<\/a>? Is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/location-independent-jobs\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17513\">locational independence<\/a> important to you? What are your dreams and goals outside of your career?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Write these ideas down too and put that list somewhere you'll see it everyday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Reduce_Your_Cost_Of_Living\"><\/span><strong>2. Reduce Your Cost Of Living<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Living beyond your means is another reason why so many Americans are caught in the rat race. And this is why finding ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/cut-down-on-expenses\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18166\">save more money<\/a> and reduce overall living costs is so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Living more frugally is also how many people retire early to get out of the rat race. You'd also be amazed at  just how quickly discretionary purchases add up. As we buy things like bags of candy or a latte on the go, we tend to think things like \u201cit\u2019s only so much extra.\u201d But saying that a dozen times a month can break the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are a few common budget categories and purchases people can often save money on<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Vacation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meals out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brand name products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subscriptions you're not using<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it\u2019s painful to think of eliminating a yearly vacation. But maybe you can do a \u201cstaycation\u201d instead of a cruise that costs 5x as much. Meals out are fun. But pack a lunch and save your splurging for a weekly (or monthly date). You get the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get started, you can use a budgeting app like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-rocket-money-legit\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"26361\">Rocket Money<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/ynab\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">YNAB<\/a> to easily categorize your monthly spending habits. Setting a weekly budget cap for spending categories, like groceries and entertainment, can then help you live within your means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/best-reward-apps\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"16856\">The 20+ Best Reward Apps To Save Money<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Begin_Investing\"><\/span><strong>3. Begin Investing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/invest-make-money-daily\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"24857\">Investing for income<\/a> is a key to building wealth and escaping the rat race. This is because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/income-generating-assets\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27030\">income-generating assets<\/a> help you diversify your income and accelerate wealth building. Eventually, your investment income can let you retire or significantly reduce how much time you spend working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Most people <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-get-rich-with-no-money\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27115\">become rich<\/a> by investing too. And the great news is that you have <em>so <\/em>many ways to get started, including investing in<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dividend stocks and ETFs (you can start investing easily with apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/stash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Stash<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bonds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real estate (you can use platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/Arrived\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Arrived<\/a> to get started with only $100)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CDs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mutual funds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Money market accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-yield savings accounts (we suggest using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/current\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Current<\/a> to earn 4% APY while getting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/50-sign-up-bonus\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22287\">$50 bonus<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"285\" src=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arrived-real-estate-investing-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arrived-real-estate-investing-1.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arrived-real-estate-investing-1-300x132.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you're a W2 employee, see if your workplace has a 401(k) plan and company matching. Many corporations will match your retirement account contributions up to a certain percentage. If your workplace doesn\u2019t provide retirement plans, you can open your own IRA and begin investing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottom line is it's important to put your money to work to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/passive-income-streams\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17525\">earn passive income<\/a>. This is how most people build wealth consistently and get out of the rat race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/Arrived\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Find real estate investment opportunities with Arrived!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Start_A_Side_Hustle\"><\/span><strong>4. Start A Side Hustle<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you're working 40 hours a week, there\u2019s a decent chance that you have at least 20 extra hours you can put into a side hustle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like investing, creating a new income stream by side hustling can help you grow your wealth much faster. And the great news is there are tons of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/gig-economy\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17298\">gig jobs<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/apps-that-pay-you-real-money-instantly\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"24914\">money making apps<\/a> you can use to boost your income, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-uber-eats-worth-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"19570\">Uber Eats<\/a> (best hourly pay)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-freecash-legit\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"24928\">Freecash<\/a> (best at-home hustle)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-doordash-worth-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18637\">DoorDash<\/a> (best food delivery gig)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-branded-surveys-legit\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"21983\">Branded Surveys<\/a> (best for paid surveys)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-fiverr-worth-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"26071\">Fiverr<\/a> (best for freelancers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-care-com-legit\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27321\">Care.com<\/a> (best for cash odd jobs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"597\" height=\"325\" src=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Freecash-website.jpg\" alt=\"free CS2 skins\" class=\"wp-image-18059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Freecash-website.jpg 597w, https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Freecash-website-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Even making an additional $200 to $500 per month can make a massive difference for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/i-need-money-to-pay-rent-tomorrow\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22215\">paying rent<\/a>, bills, and covering expenses. And you can always use the extra cash to begin investing too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/freecash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Start making money with Freecash!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Get_Rid_Of_Debt\"><\/span><strong>5. Get Rid Of Debt<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like reducing your cost of living, tackling debt is another vital step if you want to quit the rat race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reality is that debt like credit card debt, personal loans, and other high-interest debts can crush your ability to build wealth. Over time, this is how people get in a cycle of endlessly borrowing money to get by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you're ready to tackle your debt, here are a few ideas to help you get started<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use earnings from a side hustle to pay off debt faster<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adopt a debt-payoff strategy like the snowball or avalanche method<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with a debt relief company like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/turbodebt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">TurboDebt<\/a><\/strong> to lower your monthly payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Borrow money from family to payoff some debt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a balance-transfer credit card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/50-loan-instant-app\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"21879\">instant loan apps<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-earnin-legit\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"27421\">EarnIn<\/a> to borrow money against an upcoming paycheck<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Reducing your monthly interest payments as fast as possible is the goal. And once you're debt-free, you can begin investing more money each month to accelerate your journey to financial freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/i-need-500-dollars-by-tomorrow\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"24888\">How To Get $500 By Tomorrow<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Create_An_Emergency_Fund\"><\/span><strong>6. Create An Emergency Fund<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Investing (mentioned earlier) is really about saving up for the far-away future (e.g. retirement). But it's also important to build up an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses so you don't have to borrow money to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Life can get expensive without notice. Maybe your car breaks down, or maybe you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-make-money-without-a-job\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"26799\">lose your job<\/a>. Whatever the case, it's important to have at least 3 to 6 months' of expenses saved up for a rainy day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This cash cushion can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/make-money-on-autopilot\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"21396\">earn autopilot income<\/a> over time. For example, you can park your extra cash in a high-yield savings account like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/current\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Current<\/a><\/strong> and earn 4% APY.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Current-Bank-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Current-Bank-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Current-Bank-2-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Earning 4% APY might not sound like much. But if you stash away $5,000, that's $200 in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/earn-free-money\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"24592\">free money<\/a> each year alone. Not bad for a free high-yield savings account!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/current\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Start saving with Current!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Track_Your_Progress\"><\/span><strong>7. Track Your Progress<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easier to reach your financial goals\u2014or any goals for that matter\u2014if you track them. And this is how you hold yourself accountable too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We suggest setting several goals to help you escape the rat race. Your annual savings rate can be one of them. You can also track your net worth over time and the ultimate number you need to eventually retire and quit your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also track smaller goals along the way, like paying off debt or your monthly savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Switch_To_A_Career_Your_Love\"><\/span><strong>8. Switch To A Career Your Love<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most overlooked ways to escape the rat race is to stop looking at it like a rat race. That may sound like a tautology, so let\u2019s explain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you're stuck doing something you don\u2019t like or outright hate for 40, 50, or 60 hours a week, it\u2019s easy to take on the perspective that you\u2019re constantly sinking underneath your bills. But if you\u2019re alive and thriving, it\u2019s easier to have a positive outlook and enjoy day-to-day life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By switching to a career that's more fulfilling, you might not even feel the need to leave the rat race anymore. And there are <em>plenty <\/em>of careers or fields you can consider, including ventures like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/is-blogging-worth-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18209\">Starting a blog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Starting your own online business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/sell-your-skills-online\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"19281\">Selling your skills<\/a> as an online freelancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Launching a service-based business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/make-money-on-youtube\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"18221\">Making money on YouTube<\/a> or social media<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finding other ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/make-money-online-without-paying\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22478\">earn money online for free<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"4 Business Ideas You Can Start With $0 (MASSIVE Potential!)\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SlnVIgWAvmU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It's never been easier to find a new career either. You can look for opportunities on various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/remote-jobs-websites\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17971\">remote job sites<\/a>. You can also launch your own business for free or a small amount with a platform like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/go\/shopify\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Shopify<\/a> or WordPress these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/make-5000-a-month\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"21848\">The Top Ways To Make $5,000 A Month<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To quit the rate race, you\u2019re going to need to have a game plan. You might need to make some sacrifices, such as cutting back your spending and picking up extra work. But the process doesn't have to feel painful and can actually be incredibly rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, if you can find ways to boost your income while saving more money, you're well on your way to accomplishing this goal. Just make sure to actually set goals and track your progress to hold yourself accountable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Want even more ideas to build wealth? Checkout<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-make-10k-a-month\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22131\">How To Make 10K A Month<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/how-to-make-1000-a-day\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"24866\">How To Make 1K A Day<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/online-jobs-that-pay-daily\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"20631\">The Best Online Jobs That Pay Daily<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The idea of the American dream is often contrasted with the nightmare of the so-called rat race. The rat race is the term we use to describe seemingly endless, unfulfilling work that barely covers our living expenses. Over the years, the rate race becomes a grueling existence, almost like a form of corporate slavery. Many&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100,"featured_media":27264,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[161],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-finance"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":161,"label":"Personal Finance"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/escape-the-rat-race-1024x682.jpg",1024,682,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Tom Blake","author_link":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/author\/thisonlineworld\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":161,"name":"Personal Finance","slug":"personal-finance","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":161,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":60,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":161,"category_count":60,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Personal Finance","category_nicename":"personal-finance","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27259"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/100"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27259"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27259\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27264"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.webmonkey.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}