Building a One-Person Business While Juggling a 9–5 Job
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
It has been three years since I embarked on this journey. Initially, I believed it was impossible to develop a business while managing a full-time job. I would observe those around me crafting their own success stories from the comfort of their homes. My routine consisted of commuting, attending meetings, working diligently, returning home to grab a quick, uninspired meal, and then zoning out in front of Netflix. However, something shifted within me.
While I can’t pinpoint the exact change, I began my entrepreneurial venture three years ago and have been moving forward ever since. This decision has transformed my life.
Starting Small
For years, I found myself in a cycle of disappointment. I aspired to launch a business but was only partially invested. Each week, I would dabble in new ideas, turning my living space into a chaotic mess. I was overwhelmed, trying to juggle multiple projects without making progress on any of them.
The problem with lofty ambitions is that they can paralyze you. Instead of asking yourself how to earn a million dollars in six months, try focusing on how to make $100 in a month. Lowering your expectations allows your creativity to flow without the burden of pressure. In my writing journey, I began with just 20 minutes a day.
Commit to Your Actions
Adopting a 'small task' mentality has two primary benefits: it minimizes feelings of overwhelm and helps establish a routine where you follow through on your commitments.
If someone were to ask me what has kept me motivated over the last three years, I would attribute it to my determination not to let myself down. After completing university, I fell into a damaging pattern of disappointment, frequently making promises to myself that I failed to keep.
Gradually, I corrected this behavior. I set achievable goals and committed to fulfilling them. After achieving these goals consistently, I became more mindful about what I write down, understanding the significance of each goal.
Finding Your Passion
Another critical factor in my side business success was my focus on a subject I was genuinely passionate about. I became frustrated with the common narrative of 'quitting your 9–5' and felt compelled to write an article debunking it. This frustration inspired me to establish the Part-Time Creator Club, aimed at motivating individuals with traditional jobs to engage in creative endeavors online. My business emerged from a problem I cared deeply about.
Mastering One Focus
Here's a crucial insight: with a 9–5 job, you typically have only a few hours each day to dedicate to your side project. For years, I made the mistake of spreading myself too thin by attempting too many initiatives simultaneously, resulting in mediocre outcomes.
Instead, I found success by concentrating on one specific idea, one platform, and one problem. By committing to this singular focus, I was able to cultivate a sense of dedication.
Manage Your Expectations
Lastly, remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. It took me two and a half years of writing online before I arrived at the concept of the Part-Time Creator Club. Building something meaningful took three years, and I anticipate it will take a lifetime to feel fully content with my writing.
Embrace the fact that you will start off as a novice, but with time, you will improve. That’s the journey.
For more insights like these, consider joining the Part-Time Creator Club, which has experienced a remarkable 269% growth in the past six months. It’s quickly becoming the premier newsletter for those looking to create alongside their 9–5 jobs. Join over 15,000 like-minded individuals today!
Chapter 2: Insights from Others
This video, "How I Built a Business While Working a 9 to 5," shares personal experiences and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs balancing a full-time job with their passion projects.
In "How I Started a Business While Working a 9-5," the creator discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching a business while maintaining a traditional job.