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Juggling Your Full Time Job With Starting Your Own Business

Guest post by: Terri Levine

Article Overview: Not every entrepreneur has the luxury of starting their own business without having to hold down an existing full time job at the same time. It isn't easy, but it isn't impossible with the right schedule and support of your family.

Juggling Your Full Time Job With Starting Your Own Business

Possibly the hardest working people today are the group who juggle a full time job with family commitments and obligations, plus trying to start up their own business - all at the same time. Sound crazy? Thousands of wannabe entrepreneurs around the world are doing that right now.

There is no strategy that will cut corners for you - you owe it to your employer and your family to give 100% but if you want to get your own business off the ground, well, you're going to have to find room for it - it won't build itself by wishful thinking.

Let's look at some ways to help you juggle your full time job with getting your home business up and running.

To begin with, realize that sacrifices will have to be made, the most obvious being your time. For a while you will have to kiss goodbye to those delightful distractions like television, tennis, reading, or other fun pastimes. You will need your spare time to focus on your business. Speaking of which, this also refers to your spare hours during your normal working day, for example, lunch breaks and commuting to/from work on public transport - all valuable opportunities when you can be working "on" your business. (Think marketing, social media, checking e-mail... all things you can do anywhere with your laptop.)

Don't ignore your family. They probably don't see much of you to begin with so you want to get them on side and supportive right from the word go. If possible, involve them. If they are part of it they are not going to feel left out or ignored by you and will feel less resentful of the business "intruding" into family time. Not only do many hands make light work, they will feel involved even if just answering the phone, taking orders, doing research, or stuffing envelopes.

Take advantage of modern technology. Use updated systems and software to make your work easier. Any program that lessens the time important tasks take is worth investing in and these business investments are tax deductible.

If you can afford it, hire a VA to handle those necessary but annoying small details you don't have time to do and nobody else can help you with. Know that you can negotiate a reasonable fee with many VA's and you can work with more than one VA for different tasks.

Do you tell your Boss that you are working a business on the side? That's up to you. I believe honesty is the best policy, but is withholding your part time business a necessary disclosure required of you in your current position? If not, think carefully before saying anything until the time is right, or you will risk not only your job, but promotional opportunities and pay-rises. Some companies will sack you if they find out, concerned that it will adversely affect your current employment, while others will be understanding provided what you do does not interfere with your work, or present a conflict of interests, or a breach of security.

You probably can't afford to lose your job so play it safe and do the right thing by your employer. Give 100% during your work hours and don't abuse your position or privileges. Don't use company resources (i.e. photocopier) for your personal business requirements and don't make personal business calls on the company phone or in company time. Don't let company stationery (pens, notepads, etc.) accidentally on purpose find themselves in your home office!

Finally, draw up a timetable detailing all your commitments and obligations. Those things you can share or delegate to lighten your load, do so - the rest, schedule them realistically and then stick to it. To avoid burn-out, make sure you schedule in some R & R time for yourself, even if it is just 60 minutes a week. You need time out for yourself to recharge your batteries and quieten the noises in your head so you can think clearly, camly, and enjoy your experience.

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Article Tags: business startup, entrepreneur, family support, starting a business, working from home



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