How I Balanced My Business While Working A Full-Time Job
Learning to balance work and other activities is important. It’s especially difficult to put in a full day at your regular job and then go home and work some more when you decide to start your own business. Believe me, this Diva definitely can relate. My website has become a full-time job and I have balanced it with working a 40+ hour a week job, a direct sales business, family obligations and, (gasp!) a life.
Last year I shared 5 lessons I learned from being broke – I began many of my “side-businesses” as a way to enhance our family’s financial well-being. My husband and I made a conscious decision to change our financial habits and focus on our businesses.
Many that I encounter through my websites and the Divatude Challenge are striving for ways to earn additional income and become their own bosses.
If you have any desire to break free of your full-time job and start your own business, it will require you to put in some quality time at home getting your projects up and running.
While working full-time, it was essential for me to develop an action plan to be successful in all areas of my life.
Start Your Own Business While Working Full-Time
Consider these ideas for creating balance while building your business while still working a 9-5:
- Think about the best times to work. Maybe waking up earlier each morning is a viable option. Perhaps you can work through your lunch break. Are evenings best? Would you rather work all weekend and have your evenings free?
There isn’t a perfect strategy, but you need a starting point if you want to achieve success.
- Set a schedule. A common misstep is thinking that you can work on your additional income streams whenever you have free time. But “free” time is hard to come by. Therefore, it’s helpful to create a specific schedule and stick to it.
Treat your pursuit of additional income sources as you would any other regular job.
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- Eliminate distractions. We all have our ways of distracting ourselves, whether it’s with TV, the computer, or food. Others get sleepy when faced with work they’d prefer to avoid. Do whatever is necessary to stay focused on the work at hand.
- Make a list. Before you go to bed each night, make a list of the things you want to accomplish the following day. When it’s time for those tasks, avoid working on anything else. Keep working until you’ve completed all the items on your daily list.
- Take advantage of breaks in your day. Ideally, you’ll have some things you can do when you have a few extra minutes. Maybe you can make a few phone calls or respond to emails.
- Avoid working on your additional income activities at work. It can be tempting to spend some of your regular work hours on your passive income projects, but avoid doing so. Many companies monitor internet usage and emails.
Be cautious and avoid jeopardizing your job.
- Take planned breaks. Every few weeks, consider taking a week off from your passive income activities, even though it might seem like you’re losing ground. Your productivity will be about the same, but you’ll be less overwhelmed and much happier.
Studies have shown that marathon runners will finish a race faster if they walk for one mile after running four. It’s the same idea.
- Learn to relax and focus. Meditation is a great way to give your mind a break. It’s one of the few times your brain gets to rest. As long as you’re thinking, your mind is still working. Find ways to give your mind (and body) a rest to rejuvenate.
It’s challenging to manage a full-time job along with other activities. Limit yourself to the most important tasks and use your time wisely. Additional income takes some time and effort to create. Ensure you’re giving yourself adequate time to manage it all.
I, also, encourage you to align yourself with others who are passionate and dedicated to earning additional income and making significant changes within their business mindsets.