Working Full-Time and Building a Business: How to Master the Juggle

Building a business is hard enough, but doing it while holding down a full-time job? That’s next-level tough. Believe me, I’ve been there.

Since launching High Flying Design in 2020, I’ve been navigating this very balancing act. Some days it feels like I’m walking a tightrope—trying to serve my clients, grow my brand, and still excel in my full-time role as a Senior Account Manager. If you’re in the same boat, you know it’s no easy feat.

But here’s the thing: It is possible. And you can thrive in both. You just need the right mindset, a few smart strategies, and a willingness to be flexible with your time. So, how do you make it work? Let’s dive into some practical tips and personal lessons that have helped me along the way.

1. Get Clear on Your Priorities

When you’re juggling two big commitments, everything can start to feel like a priority. But the reality is, not everything can be. To avoid burnout and make the most of your time, you need to focus on what will move the needle for your business.

I’ve learned that setting clear goals for both my full-time job and my business helps me stay focused. For my business, I always ask myself: What’s the one thing I can do this week that will have the biggest impact? Whether it’s creating content for High Flying Design or connecting with clients, I make sure I focus on the high-leverage tasks that align with my long-term vision.

2. Master Your Schedule

Time management isn’t just about being busy; it’s about being intentional with your time. For me, this means finding pockets of time throughout the week to work on my business without sacrificing my full-time job responsibilities.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Early Mornings or Late Evenings: I carve out quiet hours before or after my day job to work on tasks that need deep focus, like writing articles or brainstorming new service offerings.

• Time Blocking: I block off specific times in my calendar dedicated solely to work on and in High Flying Design. This ensures that I always have space for my business, even when things get hectic at work.

• Batching Tasks: Instead of jumping from task to task, I group similar activities together (like responding to emails, designing a website or scheduling social media posts) to stay in the flow and save time.

It’s all about finding what works for your energy levels and your life.

3. Let Go of Perfectionism

When you’re balancing two demanding roles, there will be days when things don’t go as planned. Maybe that article you planned to write didn’t get done, or that client project took longer than expected.

Here’s what I’ve learned: It’s okay.

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress, and when you’re trying to grow a business on the side, sometimes good enough is all you need. Instead of stressing over every detail, focus on getting things done—and done well enough. Your business won’t crumble if a launch is delayed by a week, and your clients will understand if you need a little more time to deliver high-quality work.

4. Be Flexible, but Stay Consistent

Balancing two big commitments requires a lot of flexibility. Sometimes, you’ll have to adjust deadlines or scale back on projects to maintain your sanity—and that’s perfectly fine.

For example, there have been times when life got in the way, and I had to push back a project launch or slow down my content creation. But I’ve found that as long as I keep showing up—whether that’s posting a new blog article every month or reaching out to one new client a week—momentum builds. Progress might be slower, but it’s still progress.

5. Ask for Help and Delegate

Running a business doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help.

Early on, I wanted to handle every aspect of my business—from web design to marketing to client management. But as High Flying Design grew, I realized that outsourcing or delegating some tasks was the only way I could keep both my business and my full-time job running smoothly.

Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant or using tools like scheduling software to automate certain processes, outsourcing helps free up my time for the work only I can do.

6. Embrace the Long Game

There were moments when I thought, “Should I just quit my job and go all in on my business?” And I did try that for a year in 2022. But for me, it wasn’t the right time, financially or personally. I didn’t feel ready, and I wasn’t willing to sacrifice the security and stability my job provided—especially as someone who thrives on having multiple sources of fulfillment in my life.

That experience taught me that it’s okay to take your time. You don’t need to rush into full-time entrepreneurship to be successful. Sometimes, the slow and steady approach works best, especially when it gives you the flexibility to enjoy both your career and your business without burning out.

Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself

Balancing a full-time job and a side business is not easy, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. But it’s important to remember why you’re doing it. For me, building High Flying Design isn’t just about financial success—it’s about creating something meaningful, helping other women founders, and building a legacy I can be proud of.

So, give yourself grace. Know that it’s okay if things don’t happen overnight. As long as you keep taking steps toward your goals—however small—they will add up.

Let me know how you’re managing the balancing act. What tips and strategies have worked for you? We’re all in this together, and I’d love to hear your stories!