Last Updated on May 26, 2019 by Jessica Adams

The things we would do if we didn’t have to get up and go to work every day. It’s fair to say that our employers have much control over how we spend our days. If only you could be your own boss, you think, as you drive to and from work. You even have an idea to start your business on the side but feel like you can’t do anything about it because you already have a job! First of all, one should never think that you can’t do something in life, simply because it seems difficult…

Does the idea of starting your own business from scratch, all by yourself, terrify you in slightest? I thought so…scary prospect! But how exhilarating it seems too, all that creative freedom! Did you know that you can absolutely start your business on the side, while working full-time? It may sound like a lot of work (and it is!) but it’s enjoyable work towards a tremendous goal. That’s not the kind of “hard work” you run from, rather, the kind you run towards with all of your creative energy! 

 

Full Time Job? You Can Absolutely

Start Your Business On the Side

 

 

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Make Sure Everything is Copacetic

Before you do anything, you might want to check the contract you have with your current (9-5) employer. This is especially important if the business you want to set up is vaguely related to what you do for your work. There might be a stipulation in your current employee contract, that prevents you from working with any other companies – even one that you start on your own – while an employee. Even if there’s not a direct clause inserted into the contract, it’s still a good idea to mention it to your boss. You always want to be transparent with your business. You’re proud of it right? Just make sure it doesn’t seem like you’re going behind your current employers back in any way. They’ll be relieved and probably excited for your new venture!

 

Take Baby Steps

Running a business doesn’t have to happen at 100 mph. It can and should be run efficiently first and foremost. If you’re all over the place with your new business, then slow it down a little. In the early days, it’s best to take baby steps with your business. Set small, achievable goals, ones that you’ll be able to reach without breaking your back and see where it takes you. You want to be in business for a long time but if you move too quickly, then you might just find that you burn out before you really get started. There’s nothing wrong with preparing – A LOT – for your opening day or site launch. In fact the more time you take, the more likely you are to catch a few bad decisions you many have made along the way.

 

Bring Other People On Board

You won’t want to hire any employees when you’re just starting out (you shouldn’t do this until you’re sure you have a viable long-term business on your hands anyways). But that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone; you’ll find it much easier to run your business when you’re up against a deadline at your 9-5, if you bring other people on board. If your business is just you, work with a company like Enteracloud to ensure your IT is up to par. You can also outsource your marketing work to experts or even ask friends and family to help out when it’s needed most.

 

Make Trade-Offs

You can’t have everything you want all the time or especially, all at once. If you want to have a full-time job AND start your own business, then you’ll have to be willing to give a few things up. Until you’re in a secure place with your new business, it’s time to say goodbye to your social life and maybe even a few hobbies. If you’re married, tell your husband you’ll see him over the holidays. Of course, if you have children that’s a very different story. But if you can find a way to include them in your startup efforts, you won’t have to give up your time with them.

Dedicate your time to your new business. It won’t be forever and when you’re a roaring success, you’ll be glad that you missed all those happy hours! You’ll also have created a lifelong memory with your children when they help you build your business, which may encourage them to follow in your footsteps as an Entrepreneur! 

 

When to Leave Your Job

Finally, there will come a time when you have to choose between your 9-5 job and your very own business. Only you will be able to tell when that moment is but again, take as long as you need. It’s scary out there in this country, with the economy where it is… What if the Small Business Administration loses its funding and there are no more available grants to apply for? What if your business just doesn’t turn a profit for the first 6 months? All I can tell you is this, seldom few people regret following their dreams.

 

Jessica Rose Adams