In last month’s Ask Nicole, I shared some quick advice in getting started in consulting. This month, I’m touching on a topic I saw in response to what I shared and more broadly.
One of the main reasons why people want to get into consulting (or to be self employed in general), is to have more freedom over their day. It was one of my reasons. Typically, this is in response to something we’re experiencing in our current employment. Namely, toxic work environments, micromanagement, lack of opportunities for career advancement (or having no desire to advance within the organization), unnecessary meetings, unrealistic expectations from management, inadequate pay and benefits, and not doing the work we really want to do.
While I did experience the above in varying degrees, not doing the work I really wanted to do was the ultimate reason why I started a consulting business. I’ve mentioned here and there over the years the outcome of me leaving my 9-to-5, but never went into detail about the process of working for someone while building a business.
In short:
It’s hard building a business while working a 9-to-5.
“Then just leave”, you’re thinking. While some do quit their jobs to begin a business, most people start their business while still at their 9-to-5 and their reasons vary:
- Wanting to save enough money
- Leaving can impact quality of life
- The decision to leave can impact others (spouse, children, other dependents, etc.)
- Not being mentally prepared to leave
- Needing more time to confirm your proof of concept that what they want to sell is actually something people will buy
- The desire to build a business while having a steady paycheck
- Having a business and a 9-to-5 provides structure
The last two, still wanting my biweekly paycheck and my 9-to-5 providing structure, were my main reasons for remaining at my 9-to-5 for nearly 3 years while building my business.
In retrospect, I didn’t realize at the time how much my 9-to-5 gave me the structure I needed to build my business. Here’s a gist of how my time looked:
- 6 am: Wake up
- 6 am – 7:30: Business work
- 7:30 – 8:30: Get ready for 9-to-5
- 8:30 – 9:00: Travel to 9-to-5
- 9:00 – 12:00pm: 9-to-5 work (seeing clients, meetings, etc.)
- 12:00 – 1:00: Doing business work during lunch break
- 1:00 – 5:00: 9-to-5 work (while also sneaking in some business work)
- After 5:00: Maybe go to the gym, but sometimes go directly home. If I went to the gym, I would make it home by 7:00
- 7:00 – 11:30: Dinner, business work, shower and get ready for the next day
Because my time was so segmented, I had to know exactly what I was doing with my time, and what I needed to prioritize, and how much time I had to do it.
Whether your goal is to go full time into your business or have some extra income on the side, your business and your 9-to-5 will have to find a way to peacefully coexist for a while. Here are some takeaways from my process for you to consider as you build your consulting business while working at your 9-to-5:
Determine your ‘leap’ date
Coming to the realization that you’ll have to leave your 9-to-5 behind is both exciting and daunting. How you determine your ‘leap’ date depends on the state of your business, and other responsibilities you have going on in your life. My ‘leap’ date changed at least 3 times before I settled on May 31, 2016 for leaving my 9-to-5 to begin working in my business full time on June 1, 2016. You’ll know your ‘leap’ date when the date feels good to you and you have a plan for getting to your goal. For me, my ‘leap’ date felt good to me because I came to the realization that I had done everything I needed to do at my 9-to-5, and I felt I had a solid proof of concept. Also, if you have to change your ‘leap’ date, don’t beat yourself up. Just readjust your plan.
Set realistic goals
Speaking of which, setting realistic goals can be energizing, keep you inspired, and take into consideration what you can realistically do. From building your online presence to identifying and working new clients, what needs to get done? One you determine your ‘leap’ date, this will become easier. It may also help to prioritize your goals if something feels bigger than you anticipated. Now that you know your “leap” date, think about what tasks need to get done to move your business forward.
Identify your “breathe” supports
Your “Breathe” supports are people who can recognize when you are feeling worried or stressed, and who you can rely on to let you know when you need to chill out and/or get stuff done. If you have children, what can you have your partner, neighbor, or relative do to help out while you get some business work done? Who can you confide in when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Who can serve as a sounding board for your ideas?
Create a doable routine (and stick to it)
Scheduling your business tasks around your 9-to-5 can actually suck because you’ll desire to just get it over already and leap! But reframe what your 9-to-5 is actually doing for you. You’re sustaining income while building your dream. You’re also creating structure for yourself, and you’re staying focus. Feel free to copy the schedule I made above and adjust it to your liking.
Key takeaway
It’s definitely possible to build your consulting practice while working at your 9-to-5. As long as your develop a good plan for yourself and have the necessary supports in place, your ‘leap’ date will mean so much when it arrives. Best of luck to you!
Raise Your Voice: What has worked for you in building out your business while working at your 9-to-5? Share below in the comments section.
