Entrepreneurship has become significantly easier and more enjoyable ever since I started a 9-5 job. For the past decade, I’ve been fully dedicated to running my own businesses.
Currently, my business is generating approximately $650-700k in revenue for the previous year, with expectations to reach around $700-800k this year (emphasizing ‘revenue’).
In terms of profit, I typically take home $5-10k monthly for my wife and me from the business. However, as we expand, our construction costs have skyrocketed—often exceeding $10k a month. To manage this, I accepted a full-time, in-person position because keeping up with construction and handling high-risk loans became challenging. Now, my wife oversees the business.
Several changes have positively impacted my life:
1) Structured Schedule: Having a 9-5 job has imposed a healthier sleep and wake routine. I’ve learned that morning hours are incredibly productive since I’m less likely to be interrupted. I’m now up between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., dedicating an hour to my business before transitioning to work, allowing me to maintain progress.
2) Increased Delegation: With my 9-5 schedule, I’ve been compelled to delegate more. I share daily plans with my staff at around 6 a.m., creating a productive routine. While there are still emergencies, I’ve learned to trust my team to address issues without me being physically present, as long as I communicate effectively.
3) Reduced Stress: One of the most significant benefits is the decreased stress regarding my business. Not relying solely on it for my income has given me the freedom to approach it with a relaxed mindset.
4) Expanded Financial Flexibility: My wife and I now have double the income, which allows us to take more risks with the business and enjoy life more fully. This financial boost has created opportunities for faster growth in the business and increased personal enjoyment.
5) More Travel Opportunities: With less stress and greater disposable income, I find myself traveling more often. As a dedicated entrepreneur, I often felt strapped for time and resources, which prevented me from exploring new places—but now, that has changed.
6) Skill Acquisition: I’m acquiring valuable skills from my 9-5 that I previously wouldn’t have gained as an entrepreneur. My proficiency in data analytics and reporting has improved dramatically, which I am now applying to my business.
7) Intentional Weekends: Weekends have transformed into focused periods for catching up on business tasks and personal activities. There’s still ample time to be productive since my team is operating smoothly, along with increased financial resources to propel projects forward.
Downsides: The primary drawback is the feeling of being time-starved, leaving less opportunity for daily relaxation. Some evenings I miss the extra time to unwind, and there are mornings when getting up early feels tough. Nonetheless, the benefits to my business and personal life outweigh any inconveniences.
2 Comments
Thanks for sharing your journey! It’s fascinating to hear how shifting to a 9-5 has actually enhanced your entrepreneurial experience. Your insights are a great reminder that sometimes, stepping back can lead to greater clarity and productivity.
Morning Routine: It’s impressive how a structured schedule can boost productivity. Those early morning hours can be incredibly valuable without distractions.
Delegation: Learning to trust your team is a crucial skill, and it sounds like you’ve turned a challenge into an opportunity for growth—not just for you, but for your staff as well.
Reduced Stress: It’s incredible how financial security can alleviate stress. It’s a great motivation to keep pushing forward with your business while enjoying life more.
Increased Resources: The added financial cushion can definitely open up new avenues for growth and exploration!
Traveling More: That’s such an important aspect of life that many entrepreneurs overlook. Traveling can provide fresh perspectives and ideas that benefit your business.
Skill Acquisition: It’s great to hear how you’re applying new skills from your 9-5 to your business—it’s a win-win situation!
Intentional Weekends: Structure in downtime can often lead to more effective use of time. It sounds like you’ve found a balance that works for you.
It sounds like you’ve crafted a solid balance between your full-time job and your entrepreneurial endeavors. Sure, the time constraints can be tough, but it seems like the benefits truly outweigh them. Best of luck with your continued success and growth!
Thank you for sharing your insightful journey into balancing entrepreneurship with a 9-5 job. It’s fascinating to see how you’ve turned what many might view as a limitation into a catalyst for growth and stability.
Your emphasis on delegation is particularly noteworthy. Trusting your team not only empowers them but also encourages a culture of ownership and responsibility. This is a critical skill that many entrepreneurs struggle with as they often feel the need to control every aspect of their business. By delegating, you’ve enhanced your team’s capabilities while allowing yourself the bandwidth to develop new skills in your full-time role.
Additionally, your experience illustrates a broader trend in the entrepreneurial landscape: the potential benefits of having a diversified income stream. Relying on multiple sources of income can enhance financial stability and reduce the pressure associated with the success of a single venture. This strategic approach not only safeguards personal finances but also allows for more calculated decision-making within the business.
Furthermore, your intention to use weekends wisely is a practice that many could benefit from adopting. Intentionality in time management often yields greater productivity, and your structured weekends reflect effective prioritization, which is essential for sustainable entrepreneurship.
Lastly, it would be interesting to hear how you’re specifically applying the data analytics skills gained from your 9-5 to your business. This integration of new skills could offer profound insights for many entrepreneurs looking to utilize their experiences outside of entrepreneurship for the betterment of their ventures.
Thanks again for sharing your perspective—it’s a powerful reminder that balance can be an essential