Look at you ambitious professional! Doing a bit of research on how to "do it all" hmm?!
We're happy to report that with a bit of planning, a dash of discipline, and a sprinkle of humor, you can master the art of balancing your full time job AND side business without setting your life on fire.
Welcome to JobBored, where we help you land softly in your entrepreneurial dreams.
Ok, let's get to it, here's some of our tips on how to balance your dreams and "real" job:
1: Prioritize Like a Pro
Eek, we know. But honestly, the first step in balancing your side hustle with your full-time job is learning the fine art of prioritization.
Your time is a finite resource, so it's crucial to allocate it wisely. Start by identifying your most important tasks for both your full-time job and side hustle. Use tools like to-do lists, planners, or digital apps to keep track of your daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Remember, not all tasks are created equal – focus on the ones that move the needle.
Pro Tip: Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself, "Does this task spark joy (or revenue)?" If not, it might be time to delegate or eliminate it.
2: Embrace the Power of Time Management
We get this isn't sexy, but time management isn't just a buzzword – it's the secret sauce to juggling multiple responsibilities.
Try breaking your day into chunks and allocating specific time blocks for your full-time job, side hustle, and personal life. This might mean dedicating your lunch break to side hustle tasks or setting aside weekends for hustle-related activities. The key is consistency - every little bit counts!
Pro Tip: Try the Pomodoro Technique – work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat. It's like interval training for your brain!
3: Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them)
Ah, boundaries.
This one can be tricky for some, but think of boundaries as the invisible fences that keep your sanity intact.
It's essential to set clear boundaries between your full-time job, side hustle, and personal life. Let your colleagues know when you're off the clock, and communicate with your side hustle clients about your availability. Most importantly, don't forget to carve out time for yourself and your loved ones. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull entrepreneur.
Pro Tip: Use separate emails and phone numbers for your side hustle to avoid getting bombarded with work-related messages during your downtime.
4: Leverage Your Network
We all need support.
You don't have to go it alone. Leverage your professional and personal network to gain insights, advice, and even potential clients for your side hustle.
Try attending industry events to get a feel for things, joining online communities, and don't be afraid to ask for help. We all do.
Pro Tip: Treat networking like a game or planting seeds – the more you nurture your connections, the more they’ll grow and bear fruit. Who want's a smoothie?!
5: Practice Self-Care
This can't be overstated. You're gonna be busy.
Balancing a full-time job and a side hustle can be exhausting and keep you busy. That's why it really is vital to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout.
Make sure you're getting enough sleep (we can at least try?!), eating well (looking at you to-go salad place), and engaging in activities that recharge your batteries.
Pro Tip: Schedule self-care just like you would a meeting. If it's in your calendar, it's more likely to happen. Where are YOU on YOUR calendar?
6: Celebrate Small Wins
Phew, you really can do it all!
Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your side business. Celebrate the small victories along the way – whether it's landing your first client, reaching a milestone, or simply surviving a particularly hectic week. These moments of celebration will keep you motivated and remind you why you embarked on this dual journey in the first place.
Pro Tip: Keep a success journal where you jot down your achievements, no matter how small. We like to do it in a Google Doc or email draft, but you do you.
7: Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Dig deep my friend, it's worth it.
It's cliche, but works: remember why you started your side hustle.
Whether it's to pursue a passion, generate extra income, or eventually transition to full-time entrepreneurship, keeping your long-term goals in mind will help you stay focused and motivated. It's easy to get bogged down by the daily grind, but a clear vision of your end goal will light the way. Truly.
Pro Tip: Create something that helps you stay connected to why you want this. Maybe that's a vision board, maybe it's a list of adventures you want to have, maybe it's a photo of someone - whatever it is, make something that reminds you why you're striving for more.
We know it can feel like a lot to balance building a side business and manage your full time one (for real, we did it too!), but with the right strategies, you can thrive in both arenas.