How to Start a Business When Working Full Time? Just Move A Needle!
Many newbies join Wealthy affiliate and start with a training while having a regular full time job. Is it really possible to get good results if you have to juggle many tasks in the same 24 hours?
Taking myself as an example. I'm busy at least from 6am to 9pm. The kids, the 9-5 job, gym three times a week, laundry, kitchen, shopping, dishes etc. You know how it is.
The family and financial stability are the first priorities.
But I want to start my own business too!
I want to see my new website growing, getting more content, adding features and design elements. I want to see more visitors coming and finding value and help on my site.
How can I do it?
First of all, I have to be at peace with the fact that I'm not going to make the progress as fast as other Wealthy Affiliate members who can work 12 hours a day on this project. It's just not going to happen.
I would not be able to post every day, maybe even not every week. I won't be able to catch up with all the awesome video training here.
Is there still a chance to achieve meaningful results? What is the way for me to go?
Move the Needle Every Single Day
My solution is to make a commitment, that every day, between 9pm and 11pm, I complete at least one task that moves me towards my goal. It resembles the Agile method used in application development, if you know what I'm talking about. The idea is to break any big project into small "digestible" pieces that can be done in one day.
Here is the sample list of such small daily tasks:
1. Choose a Theme
2. Set up the site for SEO
3. Write 500 words for a new post
4. Create a featured image and other graphics for a post
5. Sign up for Google Analytics
6. Download Pretty Links plugin and set up the links
7. Create a child theme (my next task)
In addition to such task, I try to follow several WA members on Google+ every day, write one site comment and check my stats.
My Results After 2 Months
- My website is up and running, indexed by Google, with 7 posts and pages.
- I have 15 Starter Referrals and one Premium from social media promotion. I just was trying to test the waters with some clumsy steps there.
- One nice WA member used my referral link and sign up for the application I reviewed on my website, when I requested a comment to this post on the Give and Take thread.
- I have 2-3 posts in draft state and a gazillion ideas to more posts.
I'm sure I would have much more accomplished if I had more time. But I try to be content with what I've managed to do and be optimistic for the future.
There is a lot of positive energy I feel from looking at my site every day and going to sleep exhausted but smiling.
To be honest, there is a negative impact as well. I feel sleep deprived and don't spend enough time with my partner in the evenings. Everything has its price. We always need to prioritize and make choices.
What are your tips for juggling Wealthy Affiliate and a full time job?
How you guys manage?
Please share your secrets!
Mary
MoCashForYou
"If your way feels too easy, you are probably going down" - Mountain bikers motto
Recent Comments
57
Wow, time used to crawl, now I don't have enough time in the day. I think you should be really proud of yourself for your multi-tasking skills. All the best.
Time management is very important in this type of work write out your schedule and execute it discipline is the key
You show massive zeal and focus. I think these are driving your success now.
Thanks for sharing Mary.
Good work anyways.
I am still struggling with the “time” thing and managing when and what to do. Great idea, something that I need to setup for myself. Like the notebook I keep. Start writing down what I need to do each day, then follow it when I do sit down to do it in the evenings. Thanks for this post.
Great post. Keep at it. I would like to visit your website. What's the link? I am really struggling to get mine going.
Hi,
As most of WA members, I have my website listed in the "follow me" part of my profile, in the right bottom corner, under the blogs list. We are not allowed to add the link in the posts or in the bio.
Its a big issue for those working full time. I am now semi-retired and structure my week accordingly. Its getting the balance right
This is a wonderful post Mary.
It is a challenge for full time workers and families.
Great suggestions too.
You lead by example and shown what can be accomplished with bite sized bits.
You are amazing!
Di :)
You are doing great Mary!
You have a great attitude.
Don't focus on what you're not doing. Just appreciate what you are doing and you are doing well.
Pat yourself on the back everytime you take a step forward, even if its a baby step. Its all a step towards your goals :)
Every step counts :)
I just think you are amazing and heading in the right direction.
Celebrate you friend :)
Thank you so much. It means a lot to me.
Sometimes you can fail yourself and quietly hide it.
But it's more difficult to fail the friends who believe in you.
So you push harder.
I don't know what failure looks like to you but in my eyes you are a Winner! Your post today just showed it.
Be gentle on yourself my friend.
No expectations except to do your best :)
And your best is more than enough :)
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I have the same sitiation. Incidentslly I know about Agile dev as I am also in IT. Cool. I agree with you that somrthing has to give. I have less sleep because I wake up at 5 when my spouse isbat the gym and work on WA. I also canmpt respond as much to quesyions or post regular blogs here. But I am happy with my accomplishments so far.
I'm glad to hear you are happy