Can I Start an Online Business While Working a Full-Time Job?
In today’s fast-moving world, can someone make extra money while holding a full-time job? The answer is definitely yes. Even with a full-time demanding career, anyone can start & grow a successful side business.
With the advancement of the internet & technology, starting an online business while maintaining a full-time career is easier than ever.
With 24 hours in a day, dedicating 8-10 hours to your job & another 8 to sleep & daily activities still leaves you with 6 hours each day to invest in your hustle. On weekends, you can invest up to 15 hours daily in your business. This means you could commit around 60 hours weekly to your entrepreneurial journey.
However, this is a challenging thing. This requires sacrifices. While your co-workers, friends, and family members are partying & taking weekend trips, you’ll have to focus on building your business.
Is there any Benefit to Having a Job while Starting a Business?
One of the main benefits of having a job while building your business is the financial shelter it provides. Your boss essentially covers your basic needs, food, shelter, internet bill, gas & other necessities, allowing you to focus your spare time on growing your business. This means you can invest both your time & extra money from your salary into your entrepreneurial venture.
It is important to remember that starting a business doesn’t usually result in immediate profits. It might take months or even years before you see your first dollar. During this period, you’ll still need to survive, requiring food, shelter, transportation & medication. Having a job ensures that these essential needs are met while you work on making your business successful. In essence, your job acts as a safety net for your entrepreneurial journey.
What Should You Do First When Starting an Online Business?
Begin by aligning your desires & abilities with market demand. If you’re a good storyteller, consider starting a YouTube channel. If you love cooking, a food-making & reviewing YouTube channel or blog might be perfect. Writers can start blogs, while those specialized skills like programming, graphic design, or video editing can find success as freelancers. If teaching is your passion, you can offer online tutoring in subjects like math, science, English, etc. Travel enthusiasts can start a travel vlog, movie buffs can create a movie review channel, gamers can stream their gameplay, fashion designers can sell their creations online & comedians can launch a comedy show channel.
Next, acquire the knowledge needed to sell your skills. Learn how to build an audience, present your talent & master relevant skills such as video editing, digital marketing, article writing, graphic design, or tutoring, depending on your chosen field.
You can gain this knowledge through books, and short courses & by learning from those who have already achieved success in your area. For example, if you’re starting a YouTube channel, find a mentor with a successful channel & millions of views. The right mentor can ease your journey by providing the right guidance.
How to Face Difficulties & Failures on Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Once you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll quickly realize how challenging it can be to sustain your business. In the first 3-4 months, you might struggle to gain traction, few subscribers on your channel, minimal views, low readership on your blog, negative comments, unsold goods & criticism of your tutoring. These difficulties & failures can be hurtful, but if you are truly passionate & deeply interested you won’t quit.
To stay the course, finding a mentor is crucial. A mentor can guide you when you encounter obstacles & help you navigate through the vast amounts of misinformation & misleading paths. The right mentor provides confidence that you’re headed in the right direction.
Always seek updated knowledge, as technology drives business landscapes to evolve rapidly. Build a network with your fellow entrepreneurs in your field, You Tubers, bloggers, and streamers can provide support once you face some difficulties.
Remember this journey is not always fun & easy. It can be tough & painful, but the rewards at the end are worth it. Prepare yourself mentally, and cultivate a resilient, entrepreneurial mindset before you start. With the right mindset, support, mentorship & continuous learning, you’ll be equipped to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
