The 5 to 9 Job

Raymond kirungi

Welcome to The 5 to 9 Job—my journal on growth, failure, and figuring life out. I started this show because I felt this deep need to help people like me…People trying. Failing and rebuilding. The idea was to use the hours between 5pm to 9am to grow. Slowly, my vision expanded and I wanted to do it all, to build a platform to raise others, reflect and share my interests and soon I hit a wall. Now It’s back to the basics; fewer better episodes. Each week, I share a few reflections, conversations, and stories from guests so make sure you don’t miss out on any episode. Welcome to my workshop.

  1. 4D AGO

    The 3 Rules of Building Authentic Relationships That Changed My Life

    Networking can change your life faster than almost anything else — but only if you do it right. In this episode of The 5 to 9 Job, I break down what real networking actually looks like. Not collecting business cards. Not awkward cold DMs. Not “using” people. This is about building authentic relationships that naturally open doors, create opportunities, and compound over time. Why networking matters more than talent alone The truth behind the phrase “your network is your net worth” Why most people wait too long to build relationships — and why that’s a mistake The Three Cs of Networking: Connect — how to reach out in a genuine, human way Contribute — how to give value before asking for anything Cultivate — why staying in touch matters more than first impressions A personal story about how reaching out to people I admired — without asking for favors — led to unexpected opportunities Why you shouldn’t just network up, but also across and down How respect, kindness, and consistency quietly set you apart Make one genuine connection. Send a thoughtful LinkedIn message Leave a meaningful comment on someone’s work Start a real conversation at an event No agenda. No pitch. Just connection. Networking isn’t about using people — it’s about building bridges.When you do that authentically, opportunities take care of themselves. 👉 Save this episode for those moments when you hesitate to reach out or feel stuck wondering where your next opportunity will come from. — RaymondThe 5 to 9 Job 🔑 What We Cover in This Episode:🎯 This Week’s Challenge:

    17 min
  2. FEB 8

    How Gratitude Unlocks Happiness and Opportunity

    Today’s episode is a short one — but it’s powerful. We’re talking about gratitude. Not the Instagram-quote version, but the real kind: gratitude as a practice, not a reaction. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, or just off, this episode is your reset button. Gratitude doesn’t wait for life to get easy. It trains your brain to see what’s already working — even when things feel heavy. And when practiced consistently, it changes how you feel, how people experience you, and the kind of opportunities that come your way. Gratitude is a multiplier. It takes what you already have and makes it feel like enough — while quietly opening the door to more. This episode is about using gratitude as a tool to: Shift your mindset Get out of a rut Become a better person to be around Build stronger relationships and better energy Most people wait for good things to happen before they’re grateful. That’s backwards. Gratitude works best when: Life feels heavy Things feel unfair You’re stressed, stuck, or discouraged When practiced consistently, it rewires your brain to notice the good — no matter how small. Raymond shares how gratitude helped him move away from being a grumpy, difficult person to be around — and how intentionally practicing gratitude made happiness come easier and bad times more manageable. Write down what you’re grateful for at least 3 times a week Some days it’ll be big wins Other days it’s just coffee, health, or a quiet moment Over time, this shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance. When you’re genuinely grateful: People feel it Relationships deepen Opportunities flow more naturally Gratitude changes how you feel and how the world responds to you. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day (or most days) Bonus: express gratitude to someone else A simple “I appreciate you” can change someone’s day — and your relationship Gratitude strengthens connections and opens doors you didn’t even know were there. The Happiness Advantage – Shawn Achor A deep dive into how gratitude fuels success — not the other way around. Save this episode. Come back to it when life feels heavy. There’s more to be grateful for than you realize — even right now. 📝 Episode Show Notes🎙️ Why Gratitude Matters🧠 Gratitude Is a Practice, Not a Reaction🧒 A Personal Reflection✍️ How to Practice Gratitude (Simple & Practical)🧲 Why Gratitude Makes You Magnetic🎯 This Week’s Challenge📚 Recommended Resource🔔 Final Reminder

    11 min
  3. FEB 2

    The 5 Podcasts That Will Make You Smarter in 2026 (I’ve Tested Hundreds)

    In this bonus episode of The 5 to 9 Job, I’m breaking down the best podcasts you should be listening to in 2026 — based on real listening time, not hype. In 2025 alone, I spent over 400 hours (almost 18 full days) listening to podcasts across business, psychology, health, relationships, and personal growth. After filtering through the noise, I’ve narrowed it down to five podcasts that consistently deliver value, depth, and perspective — plus a few bonus recommendations at the end. This episode isn’t about one niche. It’s about becoming sharper, more informed, and more intentional with what you consume. The Diary of a CEO – Steven BartlettA masterclass in business, health, mindset, and human behaviour. From elite guests to 1% improvements, this podcast sets the standard. Prof G Markets – Scott GallowaySmart, sharp, and brutally honest breakdowns of markets, business, and current events — with humour that actually lands. TED Talks DailyShort, powerful ideas from some of the world’s leading thinkers. Perfect for daily perspective shifts and curiosity fuel. Optimal Living Daily (OLD Network)Bite-sized personal development across productivity, health, finance, and relationships — ideal if you want growth without overwhelm. Modern Wisdom – Chris WilliamsonLong-form, thoughtful conversations with people who’ve actually done the work. Real depth, no fluff, and some of the best guests on the internet. How to choose podcasts intentionally instead of auto-downloading everything Why playback speed matters (and how I use it strategically) How to match podcasts to your current season of life A few honourable mentions that narrowly missed the top five If you want to stay mentally sharp, inspired, and grounded going into 2026, this episode is a great place to start. 👉 Save this episode, try one new podcast from the list this week, and let me know which one hits for you. And if this helped, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share The 5 to 9 Job — we’re building something meaningful here. 🎧 Podcasts Covered:🧠 Also Covered:

    34 min
  4. JAN 25

    How to Build Unshakable Confidence (Even If You’re Shy)

    🎙️ What Confidence Really Is Confidence is not noise.It’s not being the loudest person in the room or pretending you know everything. True confidence is quiet.It’s walking into a situation and knowing: “I’ll figure this out.” Just like walking, talking, or riding a bike — confidence is learned. Nobody starts confident.People build it through: Action Repetition Showing up Failing and trying again Confidence is a byproduct of action, not belief. You don’t gain confidence by telling yourself affirmations.You gain it by keeping promises to yourself. Every time you: Prepare instead of panic Show up when it’s uncomfortable Follow through on what you said you’d do You create evidence that says: “I can trust myself.” Raymond shares a personal moment early in his career — struggling with imposter syndrome — and a piece of advice that changed everything: “Confidence isn’t about knowing everything.It’s about trusting that you can figure it out.” That mindset shift moved the focus from perfection to preparation — and confidence followed. Comparison kills confidence. Your progress doesn’t need to match anyone else’s timeline.Celebrate small wins — they stack. As Vusi says: run your own race. Identify one area where you want to feel more confident Choose one small action you can take this week Speak up once Prepare more intentionally Show up consistently Confidence is built moment by moment. Confidence is a muscle.The more you work it, the stronger it gets. Start where you are.Take action.Trust the process. Save this episode for the days when doubt creeps in. Explore TED Talks on confidence, body language, and mindset — especially talks on how small physical and mental shifts can dramatically change how you show up. 🧠 Confidence Is Learned📌 Confidence Comes From Evidence🪞 Imposter Syndrome & a Personal Lesson⚖️ Stop Comparing Your Journey🧪 This Week’s Confidence Exercise🔁 Final Reminder🎥 Recommended Resource

    22 min
  5. JAN 21

    5 to 9 Diary: Uncomfortable Questions, Personal Truths, and Where My Head Is in 2026

    This is one of those bonus episodes where I just sit down and talk. No script.No clean structure.Just the ideas, questions, and lessons that have been living in my head lately. Think of it like us having a long conversation — I’m unpacking what I’ve been learning, what I’m struggling with, and what I’m still trying to figure out. I don’t expect you to agree with everything. In fact, I’d prefer if you didn’t. Argue with me. Sit with it. See what lands. It’s 2026, and so far… not perfect, but optimistic I’m learning more, listening more, and trying to make this podcast better The podcast isn’t doing well numbers-wise, and yeah — that’s hard But I’m choosing to focus on why I started, not the metrics I might miss an episode here and there — but I’m not stopping Face It. Fix It. Make It Better — a David Goggins philosophy for dealing with life’s trials The Power of Focus — why narrowing down beats doing everything at once Stop Judging Yourself for Being Young — most people aren’t thinking about you the way you think they are Building Independence at Home — comfort can quietly delay growth The Marriage Question — what do you actually want, and why do you want it? Can Universal Basic Income Work in Uganda? — no answers, just real questions The Titanic Thought Experiment — values, sacrifice, and uncomfortable honesty This episode isn’t about conclusions.It’s about thinking clearly, asking better questions, and being honest about where you are in life. If you’re figuring things out, doubting yourself, or just want something real in your ears — this one’s for you. 👉 Save this episode, come back to it when your thoughts feel loud, and let me know which idea stuck with you. Thanks for being here.— RaymondThe 5 to 9 Job 🔄 Life Update🧠 What I Talk About in This Episode:

    34 min
  6. Let Go to Grow: The Episode You Needed Today

    JAN 18

    Let Go to Grow: The Episode You Needed Today

    In today’s episode, Raymond breaks down one of the most transformative habits you can build: the ability to let go. Whether it’s past mistakes, relationships that drain you, or beliefs that limit your future, holding on keeps you stuck — letting go sets you free. This episode is gentle, honest, and designed to help you finally release what’s weighing you down. Raymond opens the episode by asking the real question:What are you holding onto that’s holding you back? Most of us carry emotional weight without noticing — grudges, mistakes, fear, or an old version of ourselves we’ve already outgrown. Letting go isn’t about pretending the past didn’t happen.It’s about releasing the weight of it so you can move forward. This part of the episode breaks down the difference between running away and actually freeing yourself. Picture a jar full of heavy rocks: resentment fear self-doubt old identitiesEach rock is something you refuse to release.When the jar is full, you can’t pick up anything new. Every time you let go of one rock, you create space for better things. Holding on feels protective — but it keeps you stuck in old cycles.Letting go requires courage and self-respect. Raymond gives a simple, practical challenge: Identify ONE thing you need to let go of Write it down Understand why you’re releasing it Take one small action toward peaceWhether it’s a boundary, a conversation, or a mindset shift — the first step is choosing you. Letting go is how you reclaim: your energy your focus your futureIt’s not weakness — it’s emotional strength. Calm. Reflective. Healing.A reminder that you don’t have to carry everything. You’re allowed to release what no longer serves you.

    19 min
  7. 5 to 9 Diary: Life, Business, AI & Being Human — My Most Honest Episode Yet

    JAN 14

    5 to 9 Diary: Life, Business, AI & Being Human — My Most Honest Episode Yet

    This is one of those honest, freestyle diary episodes — the kind where Raymond sits down, opens his mind, and shares the lessons, observations, fears, wins, and breakthroughs from the week. From growth and iteration, to empathy, to listening better, to unfair advantages and AI, this episode moves across the full spectrum of life and work. No structure. No pressure. Just real thoughts that might be exactly what you needed to hear today. Why progress belongs to people who keep trying, tweaking, and adjusting — not those who wait for perfect. A lesson from being robbed: most people comfort you based on their own fear, not your pain. Why empathy > pity. How AI will change project management, creativity, and human potential — and why those who blend human + AI will win. Talking is easy; listening is a rare gift. The more you listen, the more opportunities and connections you unlock. Collaborate more. Let other voices into your space. Energy compounds when people create together. Everyone needs a guiding mind — someone whose ideas sharpen your thinking and anchor your values. Stop wishing for someone else’s strengths. Start squeezing everything out of the ones you already have. You don’t need external hype. Your own life — your scars, your story, your lessons — is enough fuel to go far. Raw. Reflective. Insightful. A personal download from Raymond’s mind to yours — the type of episode you replay when you need clarity, perspective, and a small push.

    33 min

About

Welcome to The 5 to 9 Job—my journal on growth, failure, and figuring life out. I started this show because I felt this deep need to help people like me…People trying. Failing and rebuilding. The idea was to use the hours between 5pm to 9am to grow. Slowly, my vision expanded and I wanted to do it all, to build a platform to raise others, reflect and share my interests and soon I hit a wall. Now It’s back to the basics; fewer better episodes. Each week, I share a few reflections, conversations, and stories from guests so make sure you don’t miss out on any episode. Welcome to my workshop.