Why Owning Your Time is Uncommon, Not Impossible, According to Justin Welsh

In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Welsh discusses the rarity and perception of individuals who manage to “own their time.” Welsh addresses the skepticism many people have towards those who appear to have control over their work schedules and daily lives, suggesting that such freedom is often met with disbelief and suspicion.

According to Welsh, when people observe someone who seems to possess this autonomy, their initial assumptions often fall into categories of deception or instability. He highlights this common reaction:

Most people don’t believe that it’s possible to own your time. They see someone doing it and assume they’re either: Lying. Broke. Unemployed.

Welsh argues that this disbelief stems from the fact that owning one’s time is an uncommon achievement. Because it deviates from the norm, it can make observers uncomfortable, leading them to dismiss the possibility rather than consider its attainability.

The Rarity and Perception of Time Ownership

Justin Welsh elaborates on the societal tendency to view unconventional lifestyles with suspicion. He points out that the very rarity of owning one’s time makes it appear illusory to those who haven’t experienced or achieved it themselves. This perception, Welsh contends, is a significant barrier for individuals aspiring to gain more control over their schedules and lives.

He emphasizes that achieving this level of autonomy is not about lying or being financially unstable, but rather about making intentional choices and design decisions for one’s life. As Welsh puts it:

Because owning your time is so rare that, from the outside, it looks fake. But it isn’t. It’s just not common. And uncommon things make people uncomfortable. So their first reaction is to dismiss it.

The core message Welsh conveys is that individuals have the inherent right to structure their days and work lives in a way that suits them, without needing external validation or permission. He encourages readers to embrace this possibility for themselves.

Empowerment and Permission

Welsh’s post serves as a motivational piece, reminding readers of their agency. He directly addresses the reader with empowering statements:

You’re allowed to own your time. You’re allowed to work when you want. You’re allowed to design days that feel like yours. You don’t need anyone’s permission, and you don’t need to explain yourself.

This perspective challenges the conventional nine-to-five structure and the societal pressure to conform to a singular definition of professional success. Welsh suggests that the path to owning one’s time begins with the decision to pursue it actively.

Taking Action Towards Autonomy

The underlying theme in Welsh’s analysis is that while owning one’s time is uncommon, it is entirely achievable. He frames it not as a privilege for a select few, but as a possibility for anyone willing to pursue it. The call to action is clear: start working towards this goal.

Welsh concludes by posing a rhetorical question that encourages self-reflection and ambition:

At some point, someone’s gonna live that life. Why shouldn’t it be you?

He further reinforces this idea by noting that he shares insights on these topics weekly with a large audience, indicating the demand and interest in building an intentional life where one has control over their time. The post subtly promotes his newsletter as a resource for those seeking to learn more about work, money, and intentional living.

Ultimately, Justin Welsh’s message on LinkedIn is one of empowerment, challenging the status quo and encouraging individuals to believe in and pursue the uncommon, yet attainable, goal of owning their time.