Breaking the Mold: Balancing a 9-5 and a Business

Starting a business while working full-time was a concept I had never considered until the opportunity presented itself. When this happened, I knew I could not let the opportunity pass by.

Adapting to the change that comes with building a business while concurrently working 40+ hours a week can be incredibly challenging. On one hand, you have the security of a steady paycheck and benefits with set hours and expectations, but on the other, you have the flexibility, limitless opportunity, and a potential for financial independence.

Here I will share with you the common challenges you should be aware of when you decide to take a business venture while working full time and my own personal recommendations on how to control the impact of these changes:

• Finding the time to work on your business. Depending on the nature of your job and your business, you may find yourself working long hours and feeling exhausted at the end of the day. Finding time to work on your business can be especially difficult if you have other commitments. For me, the biggest commitment I have outside of work is my husband and kids. One strategy I have used to help manage my time is setting aside specific blocks of time each week to work on my business. My husband and I have an agreement that on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons I have time blocked out to work on my business and he takes the boys out of the house so to minimize interruption. For you, this could mean waking up early or staying up late but having a set schedule can help ensure that you make progress on your business.

  
  

• Delegating tasks. Delegation is essential when it comes to managing both a job and a business. You cannot do everything on your own, so consider outsourcing some of your business tasks to a virtual assistant or hiring an employee. This will help you free up some time to focus on your job and other important tasks. This can also look like delegating household responsibilities to your spouse/partner, signing up for a grocery delivery service to cut down on time spent at the grocery store, or hiring a housekeeper to clean the house 1 - 2 times per month. Identify whatever it is that YOU need and reach out for support.

  
  

• Managing your energy. Working full-time can be mentally and physically draining. It can be difficult to find the motivation and focus to work on your business outside of work hours. One strategy for managing your energy is prioritizing self-care. This might mean taking breaks throughout the day to stretch or meditate, or it might mean setting aside time each week for activities that help you relax and recharge. Truly whatever your heart desires, anything from exercise to spending quality time with friends and family. Implementing and planning self-care was huge for me. It's easy for working moms especially to find a reason why the money for your pedicure could be go towards something more "practical", (sigh).

  Booking appointments ahead of time made it harder for me to make an excuse and back out. If we don't take time to relax and appreciate our minds and bodies for all that we've endured for the sake of purpose and success, our bodies will find a way to sit us down one way or the other. Let's stay ahead of this together, health is wealth.

  
  

• Prioritizing your tasks. When you have limited time and energy, it's important to focus on the most important tasks for your business. One strategy for prioritizing your tasks is to create a to-do list each day or week, and then prioritize those tasks based on their importance and urgency.

  On the days that I feel mentally depleted, it has been crucial that at the bare minimum, I can identify what needs to be done and what can wait until the next day. Be sure to write them down so that you have a list to reference during a moment of brain fog. You are only one person!

  
  

• Staying organized. Staying organized is crucial when managing a job and a business simultaneously. Use tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to stay on top of your tasks and deadlines. Make sure to keep your work and business files separate to avoid confusion and ensure that you can easily access what you need when you need it. #OneNote saved my life!

  
  

• Learning Curve. Starting a business while working a full-time job often means that you're learning two new things at once. Building a business from scratch AND how to balance your time effectively. This can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning. You can manage this by participating in business-related workshops, conferences, listening to podcasts, or reading books written by industry-leading experts. I personally joined a networking group to surround myself with professionals with similar goals as mine. This gave me the opportunity to be transparent with like-minded individuals who were able to help nudge me in the right direction. Unorthodox Group is an incredible spiritually driven networking group for women looking to start their entrepreneurial and/or leadership journey. If you're interested in growing and enhancing your wealth through leadership & entrepreneurial ventures, then I highly suggest you join free of cost! Balancing a full-time job and running your own business can be challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, it's possible to achieve success in both areas. By managing your time and energy effectively, prioritizing your tasks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can create a fulfilling and sustainable career that combines the security of a full-time job with the flexibility and independence of owning your own business.

  
  

  With love,

  Davon Smith