Balancing Work and Adventure (when you’ve got a 9-5)

Balancing a full-time job with a love for the outdoors can feel like a constant trade-off. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of work and feel like you don’t have enough time or energy to actually get outside and do the things you enjoy.

But I’ve realised it’s less about having more time, and more about how you use it.

The Shift in Mindset

I used to think you needed heaps of time off, or even to quit your job, to go on proper adventures. Or that I just didn’t have enough time to actually live the outdoorsy, adventurous lifestyle I wanted.

But the more I’ve gotten into hiking and camping, the more I’ve realised that’s just not true.

Most of what I do now fits around weekends, long weekends, and one bigger trip each year.

Why I Do it This Way

For me, getting outdoors isn’t about doing the biggest or most impressive trips. I’d much rather go away more regularly on smaller trips than wait 9 to 12 months to use all my annual leave at once.

I’m honestly a better version of myself when I’ve got something planned to look forward to.

What it Actually Looks Like

So how do I actually make it work around a 9–5, especially when I don’t always have a full weekend?

It usually looks like:

• A sunrise hike or walk

• A morning trail run

• A single overnight camp

• A day trip or hike somewhere new

Nothing crazy, but enough to feel like you’ve actually done something fulfilling.

For me, that’s been things like quick overnighters in the Scenic Rim, weekends up in the Noosa Hinterland, or squeezing in hikes around Brisbane like Mount Coot-tha when I’ve only got a few hours.

Even joining a trail run club midweek, or driving out after work on a Friday and being back by Sunday afternoon, still counts. It doesn’t need to be a big escape to feel like you’re getting out in nature.

You Won’t Always Feel Like it

And to be honest, you’re not always going to feel like it.

It can feel like a hassle packing up the car, or waking up early when you’d rather sleep in.

But every single time I go ahead with what I had planned, I’m glad I did.

Even if it’s just a short hike or a chilled overnight, it always feels better than doing nothing.

Keep it realistic

I think the biggest thing is just being realistic with yourself.

You don’t need a perfect routine or loads of motivation. You just need to make it easy enough that you’ll actually follow through.

That looks like:

• Picking trips that don’t require heaps of planning

• Booking things in advance

• Keeping your gear ready to go

• Having a few wishlist spots saved

• Finishing work on time where you can

• Getting life admin and chores done during the week so your weekends are free

The Goal

At the end of the day, I’m not trying to escape work completely.

I just want a life where getting outdoors fits around it enough to feel like a priority, not an afterthought.

Where I can work full-time, but still go on hikes like this, camp regularly, and have trips to look forward to.

And once you start building it like that, it actually feels really doable, and a lot more fulfilling.