9-to-5 Jobs Are a Scam—Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know

The Hunting Dog and the Modern Employee: Rethinking the 9-to-5 Job

Not long ago, the path to financial stability was clear: get a good education, land a 9-to-5 job, work diligently, and collect a paycheck at the end of the month. This was the Ugandan dream, one that promised security and stability. But is this dream still valid today?

Let’s begin with a story.

In a quiet village, a hunter had a well-trained dog. Every morning, the dog would race through the fields, sniffing out rabbits and flushing birds from the bushes. With impressive speed, it would chase, capture, and bring the game back to its master. The hunter, pleased with his dog’s efforts, would take the biggest and best parts of the hunt for himself. As a reward, the dog would get bones and leftovers—just enough to keep it strong for the next day’s hunt.

Does this sound familiar? If you’ve ever worked a job where you put in long hours, hit all your targets, and made your boss richer while your paycheck barely covered rent and bills, then you are that hunting dog. The modern workplace operates in much the same way: employees dedicate their time, energy, and skills to build businesses they don’t own, only to receive a fraction of the wealth they generate.

The Harsh Reality of Employment in Uganda

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the average monthly income for many Ugandans is about 1.5 million Ugandan shillings. While this may seem reasonable at first glance, it becomes concerning when compared to the profits that businesses generate. Employers often keep the lion’s share of the revenue while employees receive salaries that barely cover their expenses.

The 2021 National Labour Force Survey by UBOS revealed that 43% of Ugandans aged 14-64 were employed, an increase from 39% in 2019/20. However, the data also showed that a significant number of workers were engaged in low-paying jobs or subsistence agriculture, with little room for financial growth. With rising living costs and inflation, many employees find themselves struggling despite working tirelessly.

Why the 9-to-5 Model is Losing Its Appeal

For decades, formal employment was the ideal. It offered structure, benefits, and a sense of security. But the modern job market has changed. Salaries are stagnant, promotions are rare, and job security is increasingly uncertain. Many workers are overworked and underpaid, with little time to pursue personal growth or financial independence.

Meanwhile, self-employment and skill-based work have become more viable than ever. The internet, digital tools, and social media have created new opportunities that didn’t exist a decade ago. From freelancing to content creation, e-commerce to digital marketing, young Ugandans are proving that there is more than one way to earn a living.

The Rise of Skills-Based Income

More Ugandans are shifting from traditional jobs to skill-based entrepreneurship. Instead of waiting for a job opening, they are creating their own paths. Some are learning high-demand digital skills such as graphic design, coding, video editing, and social media management. Others are mastering trades like carpentry, tailoring, and agriculture but with a modern twist—leveraging social media to market their businesses.

Take, for example, a young entrepreneur who earns 2 million shillings monthly by managing social media accounts for businesses. Another is a self-taught graphics designer who makes more than a corporate employee simply by freelancing online. These individuals have chosen to own their ‘hunt’ rather than work for scraps.

Steps to Breaking Free from the 9-to-5 Trap

1. Identify Your Skills – What are you good at? Can you turn it into a business or a service?

2. Invest in Learning – Take online courses, attend workshops, and keep improving.

3. Start Small – Begin as a side hustle while you transition from your job.

4. Leverage Technology – Use social media and digital platforms to reach clients.

5. Build Networks – Connect with other entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences.

The Future of Work in Uganda

We are witnessing a shift in how people earn money. The traditional job model is no longer the only path to success. The future belongs to those who take control of their financial destinies by acquiring skills and leveraging opportunities beyond the office walls.

Like the hunting dog, you can either continue fetching the kill for someone else or become the hunter of your own success. The choice is yours.