Juggling a 9-5 With Solopreneurship: Simple Ways to Combat the Struggle

Do you struggle with finding time to work on your business while working your 9-5? As someone who has been a solopreneur while juggling a 9-5, I understand the unique set of challenges that come with this lifestyle. It can be overwhelming to try to balance a full-time job while also running a business on the side. However, with hard work and dedication, it is possible to achieve your solopreneurial dreams. In this post, I will discuss some common problems that solopreneurs face while juggling a 9-5 with solopreneurship and provide solutions to help you overcome them.

One of the biggest challenges that solopreneurs face is a lack of time. After working a full day at their 9-5 job, it can be difficult to find the energy to work on their own business. However, it’s important to make time for your business if you want to see it grow.

One way to combat this problem is to create a schedule that allows you to set aside specific times to work on your business. This could mean waking up earlier in the morning or working on your business during lunch breaks. It’s important to prioritize your time and make the most of the time you have available.

Working a 9-5 and running a business can lead to burnout. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day and find ways to relax and unwind. This could mean going for a walk, practicing yoga, reading a book, or simply taking a few minutes to meditate. The Pomodoro Technique is one of my favorite ways to manage my breaks, which I shared more about in last week's post.

It can be challenging to stay motivated when you’re working a 9-5 and running a business. It’s easy to get distracted or feel like you’re not making progress.

One way to stay motivated is to set small goals for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. This could mean setting a goal to work on your business for a certain amount of time each day or week and rewarding yourself when you meet that goal.

Image: Lina Vanessa Merchán Jimenez, Woman sitting on bed, canva.com, accessed May 4, 2023.

Solopreneurs often feel isolated and unsupported, especially when they’re also juggling a 9-5 with solopreneurship.

It’s important to build a support system of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges of running a business while working a 9-5. This could mean joining a mastermind group, attending networking events, or simply connecting with other solopreneurs online. Meetup is a great place to find like-minded people you can connect with. I personally have established many new connections using meetup and attending some of the events.

Starting a business can be expensive, and it can be challenging to make ends meet while also working a 9-5.

One way to alleviate financial strain is to create a budget and stick to it. This could mean cutting back on unnecessary expenses and finding ways to generate additional income through your business. It’s important to have a clear financial plan in place and to be proactive about managing your finances.

Managing your time effectively can be a challenge when you’re juggling a 9-5 with solopreneurship. It’s important to prioritize your tasks and make the most of the time you have available.

One way to manage your time effectively is to create a to-do list and prioritize your tasks. This is something I talked about in 5 Stress-free Productivity Hacks to Get More Done. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you’re making progress on the most important tasks. It’s also important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.

When you’re running a business on the side of a full-time job, it can be challenging to find a balance between your work and personal life.

It’s important to set boundaries and make time for the things that matter most to you. This could mean scheduling time with friends and family or setting aside time for hobbies and other interests.

In closing, I hope these solutions help you navigate the challenges of being a solopreneur while juggling a 9-5. Remember, it’s important to use these solutions when you’re trying to handle lack of time, burnout, difficulty staying motivated, lack of support, financial strain, time management, and balancing work and personal life. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your solopreneurial dreams.