I’m excited to share wisdom from a local life coach Kristi Snyder of LifeSprinkles on 5 tips for starting a business while working a full-time job on the side.  I can completely relate to this post. I started my photography business 10,000 Smiles in 2013. While my photography business grows into full employment I have two other day jobs. I hope Kristi’s insight is inspiring and encouraging wherever you are on the journey of entrepreneurship. 

Two years ago I was working as a full-time veterinarian, suffering from chronic back pain, feeling lackluster about my career and trapped in a schedule I resented. Today I run my own life coaching business helping other women (and a few men, too!) discover themselves and go after their own dreams while spending time at home with my dogs, sipping iced coffee behind my laptop. I still work part-time in the veterinary field, but I’m much more happy and fulfilled with the balance I’ve created. Though my life is still a work in progress, it’s far closer to the life of my dreams than what I ever imagined possible.

One question I get asked all the time is, “How the heck did you do it?” Leaving my full-time job and starting the business of my dreams definitely wasn’t easy (although I believe it’s possible for anyone), but it has been the most incredible and rewarding journey. If you’re feeling stuck and uninspired by your day job and dreaming of starting your own business on the side, here are my tips for you!

When juggling a full-time job while starting a business, one of the most valuable strategies is to focus on upskilling and reskilling. This approach not only enhances your current job performance but also equips you with the tools needed to transition smoothly into entrepreneurship. Identifying gaps in your skill set and actively seeking out opportunities for development can make a significant difference. Whether it’s through online courses, workshops, or mentorship, investing in your professional growth ensures that you’re better prepared to tackle the challenges of running a business while managing other responsibilities.

For those aspiring to carve their own path in the business world, the journey from dissatisfaction to fulfillment mirrors the transformative experience of this veterinarian turned life coach. Much like her transition from a traditional career to entrepreneurship, fostering innovation within one’s professional endeavors requires courage, determination, and a willingness to embrace change.

As individuals seek to break free from the constraints of conventional employment and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, they can draw inspiration from success stories like hers. To explore further insights on navigating the transition to entrepreneurship and fostering innovation within your own career path, check out Uhlir here. Uhlir’s expertise as a leadership speaker provides invaluable guidance for aspiring business leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Through his sessions, individuals gain practical strategies for fostering innovation, transforming their ideas into tangible successes.

By tapping into Uhlir’s wealth of knowledge and experience, entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles, embrace uncertainty, and chart a course toward sustainable growth and fulfillment. As they embark on their entrepreneurial journey, they find themselves empowered to challenge the status quo, disrupt industries, and create meaningful change in the world.

How to Start Your Dream Business

(While Still Working Your Full-Time Job)

Get super clear why you want to start a business

For me, I was tired of being bound to a schedule. I longed for more freedom in my day-to-day and I dreamed of being able to spend my mornings leisurely sipping coffee and hanging out with my dogs rather than rushing off to work. While there were some aspects of my job that I really loved, I didn’t enjoy the stress and demand of working forty-plus hours per week in the veterinary field. I also knew that I really loved to write, had a burning desire to help people and a creative outlet that wasn’t being fulfilled. When I discovered life coaching, it was like a light bulb turned on inside my head. I immediately knew it was the answer to bridging all of my passions together.

To get clear on your ‘why’, ask yourself the following questions:

What is it I don’t love about my current job?

What is it that I’m looking to create in my life?

What do I hope to achieve by starting my business?

Do you despise being tied to someone else’s schedule? Are you longing for more passion and purpose? Looking for more freedom or an outlet for creativity? Write all of your reasons down and refer to them often. Your ‘why’ is what is going to drive you forward on the days you want to quit.

Start taking action now

Do you have a dream of starting up your own Etsy shop but the idea of going form start to finish seems way too overwhelming? Or maybe you’re thinking, ‘I’ll do it once I have more time.’ Don’t let that feeling of overwhelm paralyze you. Start now. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, you’ll figure it out as you go. However, unless you take some sort of action, you’ll remain stuck exactly where you are. The great thing about taking action is that as you see yourself taking baby steps in the direction of your dreams, not only do you start getting more and more excited, but you begin to build confidence and accountability in yourself that you can make your dream a reality. So, stop dreaming and get out there and start making it happen!

Believe in yourself and your dreams

This one’s a bit of a no brainer, but it bears mention. In order to create the life you dream about, you kind of have to believe that it can exist. Or at least have a glimmer of a hope that it’s possible. There will be plenty of days you will encounter naysayers (that well-meaning coworker who thinks you’re crazy for believing you can ever leave your job to pursue your passion) and times when you’re riddled with doubt. Having a strong, emotional connection to your dream and believing in your power to accomplish it is especially important for pushing through the tough times. Remind yourself of your past accomplishments and times when the odds were stacked against you and you prevailed anyway. Allow yourself to spend some time indulging in what it will feel like to be living your dream life. Engage all of your senses and immerse yourself in your dream until you can really feel it, smell it, taste it. Take those feelings with you as you move forward.

Learn to become comfortable moving through fear

Building your dream business is not for the faint of heart, and you will inevitably encounter some fear —- fear of taking a chance on yourself and trying something new, fear of putting your products or services out there. Whether your goal is to cut back at work or support yourself entirely with your business, putting your heart on the line and going for it can be a scary thing. However, in order to do anything outside of your comfort zone, you have to face your fears. There’s a lot that I could say about fear, but the bottom line is that change happens when your desire for something different becomes greater than your fear. When the discomfort of not pursuing your dream becomes so unbearable that you can’t imagine not doing it, that’s when you become willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Create a support system

When you’re doing something that goes against the grain of what everyone else is doing, it can be really exciting, but it can also feel like a very lonely endeavor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Look for support from like-minded people, friends and family, mentors and coaches. Building a support system not only helps keep you on track and accountable, it’s essential for working through the fears.

Kristi Snyder is a life coach who inspires women to take control of their lives, step into their highest selves and go after their dreams. Sign up here for weekly tips on creating your best life and grab your free copy of ‘How to Get Unstuck and Start Moving Toward the Life of Your Dreams.’ You can also find Kristi on Facebook and Twitter.