Are you dreaming about running your own business but feeling unsure how to fit it all in with a 9-5? You’re not alone. More and more people are beginning new ventures while still earning a steady paycheck.
Starting a company on the side when you’re employed full-time is a safe and often practical way to test the entrepreneurial waters. This article will guide you through the basics of how to start a business while working full-time, drawing insights from real business owners who’ve walked the same path.
- Keep your full-time job to give you financial security as you launch your venture.
- Plan your schedule wisely can make or break your side hustle.
- Grow at a rate you can handle while learning and adjusting along the way.
- Lean into your passion. Loving what you do fuels those late nights and early mornings.
- Know your exit plan. If you’re thinking about quitting your full-time job, make sure the numbers and timing align with your goals.
Ready to start your business? Check out our guide on how to start a business to learn everything from establishing your brand to launching your business.
How to start a business while working full-time
This video is part of our Real Talk series that features a diverse group of business owners sharing their experiences. In this episode, they discuss balancing entrepreneurship with other commitments, the passion driving their ventures, the sacrifices involved and the strategic considerations they make when deciding whether to transition into running their businesses full-time. Watch the video or read the article below to learn tips and insights from these entrepreneurs about their journey.
Balancing multiple roles
If your day job has rigid hours, your side hustle might offer a refreshing change, though it still requires discipline to keep everything on track.
Sabith, from tlali•pani, shares the reality of sacrifice: “we don’t get a day off, as you can imagine.” Juggling a full-time role, family life and a new business can mean long days and shorter weekends.
On the flip side, Ashley from amarieacreates highlights the flexibility she gets from being her own boss, saying, “Being a business owner allows me to clock in whenever I like. I can work for an hour or 30 minutes on and off all day long.”
“Being a business owner allows me to clock in whenever I like. I can work for an hour or 30 minutes on and off all day long.”—Ashley, owner of Amarieacreates
Passion as a driving force
When you’re starting a business while working, the excitement and zeal of the new business will help to fuel late nights and early mornings. As David from FRUITLOOTS puts it, “Feeling the passion behind the brand that we’ve created… it’s the kind of work we’re happy to do until 4:00 AM because it is for us.
If the thought of drafting business plans or creating products after a full day at work sounds more exciting than exhausting, that’s a strong sign you’re on the right path. Genuine interest in your venture helps you push through the inevitable challenges.
“Feeling the passion behind the brand that we’ve created… it’s the kind of work we’re happy to do until 4:00 AM because it is for us.”—David, owner of FRUITLOOTS
Strategic growth and risk management
Caution can be a good thing. Allan from FRUITLOOTS explains, “Having a 9-5 while having your own business does give you this layer of security.” That steady income means you don’t have to rely solely on your new hustle’s profits right away.
Sabith from tlali•pani describes their approach, “We did not want to take a massive risk… it’s part of the deliberate strategy to figure out, ‘Is this what we want to dedicate the rest of our lives to?’”
Growing methodically while maintaining a paycheck protects you from jumping too soon into a venture that may need more time to develop. You can test marketing tactics, pivot if necessary and refine your offerings without the immediate stress of paying all your bills from your new business alone.
“We did not want to take a massive risk… it’s part of the deliberate strategy to figure out, ‘Is this what we want to dedicate the rest of our lives to?’”—Sabith, owner of tlali•pani
The journey to entrepreneurship
Everyone’s entrepreneurial journey is unique. For Karen of Kanda Chocolates, it was an international experience: “I took a trip to Ghana, fell in love with the chocolate but also fell in love with the mission of what Ghana is trying to do… so I started Kanda Chocolates.”
Meanwhile, Alex from WildFlora had a different aha moment, “I knew when I was just looking at flowers in a hotel lobby that I wasn’t being my creative self.”
These stories remind us that inspiration can strike anywhere. Sometimes, it’s about discovering a gap in the market or feeling unfulfilled at your day job. Other times, it’s about a personal mission. Whatever the spark, nurturing it while maintaining a stable job can give you time to see if it truly lights your fire.
Fulfillment and flexibility
Ultimately, running your own venture can bring a sense of freedom. Ashley from amarieacreates notes, “If I had the choice to work a 9-5 or run a business full-time, I would absolutely choose being a business owner because I get to work for myself.”
Even if you are starting a new job while still employed at your day job for a while, you might notice personal growth simply by taking initiative. As Alex from WildFlora sums it up: “It’s built a confidence in me that makes me not only feel so good that I’m doing it but want to serve up more to people.”
Entrepreneurship has a way of expanding your skills and confidence, which can benefit every part of your life.
“It’s built a confidence in me that makes me not only feel so good that I’m doing it but want to serve up more to people.”—Alex, owner of WildFlora
Pros and cons of starting a business while working full-time
There are many things to consider before starting a business. Reports show that a notable number of entrepreneurs do, in fact, prefer starting a business while working at a regular job. This trend exists for good reason: less pressure and more stability, but let’s break it down.
Advantages
- Financial security: Your paycheck covers rent, food and bills while you build your business on the side. This buffer helps you invest in supplies, software or marketing without the same level of risk.
- Market validation: You can test ideas before committing fully. If something flops, you still have your day job to keep you afloat.
- Transferable skills: Many people learn project management, communication or sales techniques at work, skills that carry over to entrepreneurship.
Challenges
- Time constraints: You’ll likely be working nights and weekends, which can be tough on personal relationships and rest.
- Divided focus: Your day job might occasionally clash with your side hustle. Striking a balance requires clear boundaries.
- Slower growth: You’re not dedicating 40+ hours a week to your venture, so growth may be more gradual than if you jumped in full-time.
Should I quit my full-time job?
A big question arises once your business gains traction: When do I quit? Many people wrestle with this decision, fearing they’ll jump too soon or not soon enough.
There’s no universal green light. But approach the decision thoughtfully, ensuring both your finances and your mental well-being are in a good place. You can remain employed as long as it suits your lifestyle and goals.
- Financial readiness: Ideally, have a few months of living expenses saved up or confirm steady profit from your business.
- Demand overload: If your side hustle has grown so much that you can’t keep up while working full-time, it might be time to consider going all in.
- Strategic timing: Some people wait for specific milestones, like landing a major client or securing investor funding, before taking the leap.
- Burnout vs. excitement: Gauge your energy. Do you still feel excitement about your business, or is juggling two roles burning you out?
Every entrepreneur’s path is different
Launching a venture while holding down a 9-5 is more common than ever. With strategic planning, passion and solid time management, starting a company while working full-time can be both fulfilling and lower risk. You’ll sharpen your skills, explore your ideas and maybe one day turn your side project into a thriving full-time gig.
Whether you’re still asking yourself, “should I start a business while employed?” or already knee-deep in product testing, remember that every entrepreneur’s path is different. Take it one step at a time, trust your instincts and you’ll be well on your way to building something amazing.
Need some help with your new business? Depending on where you are in your journey, you might want to explore these exciting small business ideas or if you are ready to launch, check out our checklist for starting a business to make sure you don’t miss a step.
