Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey

From Side Hustle to Startup

Side hustles can feel exciting and freeing, but when it comes time to consider turning it into a full-time gig, things can start to feel overwhelming. 

Do I make the leap or keep it on the side? Do I have what it takes? Is it time to say goodbye to my 9-to-5? 

If you’re grappling with these questions, you’re not alone.

In my experience, there are two types of personalities when it comes to making the dive into being a full time entrepreneur. The first are the "slow and steady" or "stepped approach" individuals. These are people who prefer to gradually build up their business until it reaches a comfortable tipping point, at which they leave their 9-to-5 job in favor of their business. It’s important to note that everyone has their own "number"—aka the dollar amount that signals it's time to make the switch.

The second type are the "sink or swim" individuals (this was me). These people prefer to “rip the bandaid off” so-to-speak. Once they decide to make their side hustle a full-time gig, they move quickly to make it happen, adjusting their personal finances as needed. For some of you this might mean goodbye steady paycheck, hello Ramen Noodles.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but in this blog post, we’ll dive into some beginners' advice for 6 common questions that plague those thinking about moving from side-hustle to start-up. 

1. Is My Side Hustle Really Ready for Full-Time?

2. What’s My Motivation?

3. Do I Have What It Takes to Run a Business?

4. Can I Handle the Time Commitment?

5. What If I’m Not Ready for the Full-Time Leap?

6. Do I Have the Support I Need?

1. Is My Side Hustle Really Ready for Full-Time?

I’m wondering if now is the right time to take my side hustle full-time. I’m making some money, but it’s not quite enough to replace my current income. What if I take the leap too soon and things don’t work out?

What You Can Do: Take a hard look at the numbers. Is your side hustle generating consistent revenue? Do you have a loyal customer base, or is it still in the “testing the waters” phase? Consider creating a financial buffer—aim for at least 6 months’ worth of expenses to help you weather any slow periods or setbacks. 

Here are a few key signs that you could be ready to make the leap from side hustle to full-time entrepreneur:

1. Consistent Revenue: You’ve been generating steady income from your side hustle for several months, and it’s enough to cover your personal expenses or business costs. Your revenue might not match your current salary just yet, but you can see clear upward momentum.

2. Growing Demand: You’re consistently getting more orders, clients, or inquiries than you have time for. You may find yourself turning down opportunities because you’re still working your day job, or you struggle to keep up with the workload.

3. Financial Buffer: You’ve saved up enough to cover at least 6 months of personal and business expenses. This cushion will give you peace of mind as you transition, helping you weather any slow periods or unforeseen challenges.

4. Solidified Systems: You’ve built efficient processes for managing your orders, client relationships, marketing, and finances. If your business is running smoothly and you’re confident in your ability to scale, that’s a good sign you’re ready to handle the full-time workload.

5. Emotional Readiness: You’re mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship. You’re excited about the idea of dedicating yourself to your business full-time, and you’ve accepted that it may require long hours and perseverance in the early stages.

2. What’s My Motivation?

I’m feeling torn. I love my side hustle, but the security of my day job is hard to let go of. How do I know if the entrepreneurial life is really for me?

Consider This: Ask yourself what’s driving you to make this change. Is it the freedom of being your own boss? The desire to turn your passion into a business? Or is it something else? You need to be clear on your “why” because it will be your biggest motivator when the going gets tough.

To dig deeper into your motivation, reflect on these questions:

1. What excites me the most about my side hustle?
   Is it the creative freedom? The satisfaction of building something from the ground up? The chance to work on projects that align with my values?

2. What do I want my business to do for me personally?
   Am I seeking more control over my time, financial independence, or the ability to live life on my own terms?

3. How does my side hustle align with my long-term goals?
   Does running my own business help me move toward a future I’ve envisioned, whether that’s personal freedom, financial success, or creating an impact in my community?

4. What would I regret more: staying in my current job or taking the risk to build my own business?
   Which decision will leave me feeling more fulfilled and aligned with my passions?

5. How will I handle the inevitable challenges?
   Do I have the resilience to keep going when things get tough? Am I motivated by my vision enough to overcome obstacles?

3. Do I Have What It Takes to Run a Business?

I’ve got the passion, but I know running a full-time business requires more than that. I’m great at making my products and offering my services, but I’m worried about all the “business stuff” I’ll have to handle—marketing, finances, operations.

Game Plan: No one expects you to be an expert in everything right away. Identify your strengths and the areas where you’ll need support. Start learning now, or consider outsourcing tasks that don’t play to your strengths (like accounting or marketing). A quick SWOT analysis can help you get a clearer picture of where you excel and where you may need support.

4. Can I Handle the Time Commitment?

Running my side hustle part-time has been manageable, but can I handle the time commitment required to grow my side hustle into a thriving business? I know it will take more hours, more work, and a whole lot of energy. What if I get overwhelmed?

Path Forward: Try making a time block schedule to see what your day as a full time entrepreneur might look like. Start by organizing your current workload and assessing how you’ll handle the transition to full-time. Planning your day with time blocks can help you stay organized and ensure you're covering all essential areas of your business—while also juggling life’s responsibilities.

Here’s a realistic time block example for someone like me, a mom and wife with two kids and a dog, making the leap to full-time business:

Sample Daily Time Block Schedule for a Full-Time Entrepreneur:

• 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM: Get the Kids Ready for School
  Wake the kids up, make breakfast, and get them dressed and ready for the day.

• 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: School Drop-Off
  Drop the kids off at school and take the dog for a quick morning walk.

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Planning and Admin
  Review to-do list, check emails, and organize tasks for the day.

• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Focus Work Block
  Work on core business activities—product creation, client work, or other tasks that need undivided attention.

• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch and Personal Time
  Eat lunch, take a break, and recharge.

• 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Marketing and Content Creation
  Create social media posts, work on blog, or focus on other marketing activities to grow audience.

• 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Pick Up Kids from School
  Pick up the kids and catch up with them on their day.

• 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Homework and Snack Time
  Help the kids with their homework and give them a snack while answering emails or complete lighter tasks.

• 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Client Calls or Meetings
  Take any calls or meetings while the kids are occupied with an activity or playtime.

• 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner Prep and Family Time
  Prepare dinner while spending time with the kids.

• 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and Clean Up
  Eat dinner as a family and clean up afterward.

• 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Evening Routine
  Spend time with the family, walk the dog, and get the kids ready for bed. ** I love to double down and improve my skills while I am walking the dog—I’ll watch an e-course, listen to a podcast or book, or learn about new industry trends. 

• 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Reflect
  Review the day's accomplishments, plan for tomorrow, and wind down.
  

Tip: As you create your own schedule, remember that every business is different. You may need to adjust the blocks based on your specific priorities. If you’re like me, flexibility is key to balancing business and family. Remember, a realistic schedule is not about the perfect daily to-do-list—it’s about creating a structure that works for you and helps you stay on track as you transition from side hustle to full-time business.

5. What If I’m Not Ready for the Full-Time Leap?

I’m not quite ready to let go of the security blanket of my current job, but I’m itching to give my side hustle more attention. How can I balance both?

A Practical Approach: It’s perfectly okay not to jump straight into full-time business ownership. Instead of taking the all-or-nothing approach, consider easing into full-time entrepreneurship gradually. This will allow you to test the waters without the pressure of immediately replacing your income.

Here’s how you can take a more cautious, but still effective, approach to transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship:

1. Start Scaling Up Slowly: Begin by dedicating a bit more time to your side hustle. If you’re currently working nights or weekends, consider taking on more clients or expanding your workload as time permits.

2. Cut Down on Your 9-to-5 Hours: If possible, see if you can reduce your hours at your day job. Working part-time allows you to put more energy into your business without giving up the stability of a steady paycheck.

3. Set Small Milestones: Create achievable goals to move your business forward without rushing the transition. For example, aim to generate 25% of your current salary through your side hustle, then 50%, then 75%. This will allow you to track your progress and know when you're truly ready to make the leap.

6. Do I Have the Support I Need?

I’m excited about the prospect of being my own boss, but the thought of going it alone is daunting. I’ve heard entrepreneurship can feel isolating—especially when my friends and family aren’t familiar with the startup world. Who will I turn to for advice, encouragement, or guidance when things get tough?

Solution: You don’t have to do it all on your own. Building a solid support system of like-minded individuals and mentors who understand the journey can make all the difference. Join online communities or find a mentor who’s been through it. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges of running a business will give you a sounding board and help you stay motivated when you feel stuck.

Here’s how you can start building your entrepreneurial tribe:

1. Join Online Communities: The beauty of the digital age is that you can connect with other entrepreneurs from anywhere. Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or LinkedIn communities to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from others.

2. Find a Mentor: A mentor can be an invaluable resource when transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. Whether it’s someone you admire in your industry or a business coach, having a mentor to guide you through the process can help you avoid common pitfalls.

3. Attend Networking Events: Look for local or virtual events where other entrepreneurs gather. These events can help you make valuable connections, and you never know—you might even meet potential clients or collaborators.

4. Leverage Family Support: Talk to your loved ones about your goals and explain the importance of their support. Even if they’re not entrepreneurs, having their encouragement can be the emotional boost you need during challenging times.

Making the leap from side hustle to startup is no small decision. There’s a lot to consider, but with the right mindset, a solid plan, and a supportive tribe, you can turn your side hustle into a thriving full-time business.

Your journey is unique but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Whether you’re easing into it slowly or ready to dive in headfirst, we’d love for you to be part of our entrepreneurial tribe! Join our virtual community by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media, where you’ll find support, resources, and inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs.

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