How to sustainably start building a business while you’re still employed

A woman with brown hair sits at a desk holding a cup of coffee with her laptop in front of her.

It’s no surprise that Google searches for “side hustle” have spiked over the last year. For many people in corporate, the world of work feels exhausting and inflexible. Saturdays are often spent recovering from the week and Sundays are spent preparing for the next. It’s no wonder entrepreneurship has become such an appealing avenue.

As an entrepreneur, you have the power to architect your reality. You get to establish boundaries that protect your time and energy. Work with clients that align with your values. Sell products you believe in. And impact the world in positive ways.

If you’re in the process of moving forward on a business idea while working full-time, the following tips will ensure your journey is sustainable from the start.

1. Make your well-being a priority

I once attended a talk by an incredibly successful, self-made female entrepreneur and I’ll never forget when she said, “Most entrepreneurs I know have had a major health issue in their lives.” because entrepreneurship is just so stressful.” I remember hearing these words and my heart immediately sank into my chest. Because while it can be tempting to hustle and grind as an entrepreneur, it’s simply not sustainable.

Luckily, we have the power to shift our entrepreneurial experiences so that instead of burning out, we cultivate a life-giving experience with the work that means the most to us. As you begin building your business, consider how you’ll honor mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health while you’re still employed. What practices and rituals are essential? How much sleep do you need to be getting? How will you make time for experiences that don’t revolve around your current career or entrepreneurial pursuits?

2. Remember, there’s no right way to start

Although the internet is littered with how-to’s when it comes to entrepreneurship, it’s important to remind yourself that there are many ways to get started with a business idea. In the early days, I recommend putting your energy where you feel energized. What’s currently lighting you up? What aspects of your business are you excited about? If you focus your attention and effort in these places, getting started will be considerably easier.

With that said, if starting a business feels intimidating and you don’t know where to begin, our guided journal for entrepreneurs is a powerful tool to help you journal your thoughts, brainstorm ideas, and write a personalized business plan without the pressure of needing to take action right away.

3. Commit to your boundaries

While it may be tempting to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way in the early days, this can lead to resentment and burnout. A better approach is to consider your values, as boundaries are the backbone of every successful business. Here are a few questions to ask yourself. What kind of clients do you want to serve? What kinds of opportunities are in alignment? Where will you say “yes” and where will you say “no”? What are your non-negotiables as an entrepreneur?

4. Make a schedule

It sounds simple, but it works. You’re likely already juggling a lot between your career career and social life, so it’s important to be intentional in terms of when, where, and how you work on your business. For example, if you’re currently working a 9 - 5, you’re going to be building your business early in the morning before work, in the evenings, and on the weekends.

Consider how much time each week would be reasonable to spend on your business, and then block time in your calendar accordingly (and make sure you’re interruption-free)! And remember, if you want your journey to be sustainable it’s equally important to schedule time to enjoy your life outside of work and business endeavors.

5. Don’t go it alone

They say it takes a village to raise a baby, and it takes a village to raise a business! When you become an entrepreneur, your support network will be essential in helping you move through challenges and get your business off the ground. First, make sure you have the support of your friends and family. Be open about your business aspirations, and tell them what you need as you move forward. Perhaps you need them to be an enthusiastic cheerleader, a powerful sounding board, or a source of encouragement.

Second, make sure you build a professional support network. Can you join an entrepreneurial community group that meets regularly? Get a mentor or business coach? Have you considered bringing on a business partner? If you’re interested in finding someone to help you launch and grow your business, we’ve created an entire blog post on how to find the right business partner. 

Jana Boyko

Entrepreneur and author, Jana Boyko is a powerful guide for anyone walking an entrepreneurial path. Jana has over a decade of expertise and experience coaching entrepreneurs and businesses, from the very small to the very big. Jana is the CEO of a private coaching practice dedicated to holistically supporting people in their transformation from employee to entrepreneur. Her latest book, Bedside Business Plan: A Guided Journal for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, is available at all Indigo & Chapters locations across Canada.

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