Are you sick and tired of working the 8-6 hours, never seeing the family and restricted holiday time? Life is meant to be fun – surely making our companies rich while we struggle financially and with family relations. Well here are 5 ways to step you out of the rat race you are in, and get you on your way to living the lifestyle you choose!

5 options to mull over and weigh up which will be your vehicle out of the rat race:

PROPERTY – It is important here to do the research. As the media portrays, they believe it is not a good time to invest. I say, why not – prices are down and, like after every economy crash, the prices go back up and higher than before. To ensure you make the right decisions for you though – it is good idea to talk to property investors, real estate agents and research. A fantastic book on it is “0 to 150 properties in 3.5 years” by Steve McKnight. It shows you many different ways to invest in property, in an easy to read format.

STOCKS – Again, I hear another moan of resistance. This is where I will simply say – read the article (“Buy American, I am” New York Times) by Warren Buffet the man who has made the most in the world off stocks. He basically says right now he is buying stocks. He has survived two other stock market crashes and has done the same in each one, why do you think he is wealthy? As with property – the biggest thing here is to research, research and do more research.

DEVELOP YOUR OWN BUSINESS – You may be sitting on an idea that the world is craving right now! Put a comprehensive business plan together and ask people what they think. This may be hard, as it is your “baby” they are talking about – but see if there is a recurring theme in their comments, if there is, adjust it so it becomes a positive attribute. A fantastic book to read is “The E-Myth” by Michael Gerber – he writes in laymen’s terms on how to make a business work for you, not you work for the business. After all you are after freedom not working harder than you are now right?

FRANCHISES – A proven money making system – what better way to move forward. Research your franchise of choice, ensure it aligns with your beliefs and values, and most importantly will give you the freedom you are originally leaving the rat race for. Most franchises will need a certain outlay of your own money; however it might be easier to get a business loan for a franchise, than your own business.

BUSINESS BASED FROM HOME OFFICE – A home based business is ideal for the stay at home parent looking to watch their children grow up. With the internet so useful and phone deals quite cheap, you can be at home – yet connected to customers around the globe! Home based businesses are often cheap to start up and can have the potential to make a lot of money. It is important to do your research as there are thousands out there, and some are illegal. Find the one that interests you and most importantly, has the potential to deliver the freedom and income you are looking for.

So where to start from here? I would look within, listen for your internal voices – one of those options will feel more comfortable than the other when you imagine yourself doing it. Start with that one. If that doesn’t end up being, try the next one…and the next. It will get easier as you determine what is right for you and then you will be living the lifestyle you choose.