Life Beyond the 9-to-5: Reflections on Running My Own Music Therapy Practice
At a recent gathering full of 9-to-5 professionals, I realized how different my work life has become since starting my own music therapy practice. From flexible mornings to setting my own pace, I’ve found a sustainable rhythm that feels balanced, intentional, and deeply fulfilling.
10/31/20252 min read
I was recently at an event where almost everyone I met worked in traditional 9–5 jobs. I hadn’t thought much about how different my lifestyle is — until that evening.
Let me set the scene. It was a social gathering with a mix of people from the therapy world and other professions — finance, marketing, engineering, and more. The topic of work inevitably came up.
Everyone started talking about setting boundaries with their bosses, taking PTO, navigating office politics, and managing stress from coworkers. Normally, I love jumping into these kinds of conversations — sharing stories, making jokes, connecting with people. But this time, I realized I couldn’t relate to 90% of what they were saying. I just sat there, quietly smiling, thinking, Wow, my day-to-day is completely different now.
When my parents visited recently, they made a similar observation. They mentioned how different my career looks compared to when they were in the thick of theirs. Back then, it was normal to be overworked, underslept, grabbing whatever food was easiest, and carefully rationing vacation days. And of course, that’s still the reality in many professions today.
But since starting my own music therapy practice, my life has shifted in ways I didn’t even notice until that night. I can choose my own hours, take days off when I need them, and build a schedule around energy rather than obligation. I don’t have coworkers or a boss, and while that can sometimes feel isolating, it’s also deeply freeing.
I’ve experienced those old patterns before — long hours, burnout, and pressure — in past jobs. But running my own practice has taught me what it feels like to build something sustainable.
When I thought about that conversation later, I realized: I’m kind of on my own little island. And honestly, I’m grateful for it. This “island” gives me space to grow, to rest, and to keep doing the work I love in a way that feels healthy and balanced.
I know not everyone has this kind of flexibility, and I don’t take it for granted. Every time I make my own schedule, take a midday walk, or choose when to travel, I feel a quiet sense of joy. It’s a privilege — one I worked hard to create — and one I hope to never stop appreciating.