The Entrepreneurial Balancing Act: Managing a Full-Time Job and a Growing Businesses

Being an entrepreneur is exhilarating, but when you’re managing a full-time job alongside it, the stakes are higher, and the balancing act more intricate. My journey with Dragonwing—a purpose-driven activewear brand for girls—has shown me how rewarding and challenging this experience can be. Balancing two jobs and my personal life has pushed me to refine my time management, set boundaries, and build a supportive network. In the process, I’ve learned some important lessons about efficiency, resilience, and self-care that I hope can benefit anyone walking a similar path.

1. Prioritizing Tasks and Time Blocking

One of the first things I had to tackle was time management, and it’s an ongoing challenge. It’s easy to let one role spill into the other, but that can lead to burnout and missed deadlines. To counter this, I started prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance and introduced time-blocking into my routine. Every Sunday, I sit down and review my week ahead. This involves mapping out my hours and making sure there’s dedicated time for both my full-time role and my responsibilities at Dragonwing. By assigning specific time blocks, I minimize task-switching, which allows me to focus entirely on the task at hand.

Time blocking also helps with managing the more time-intensive aspects of running a business—like product development or event planning. This focused approach has kept Dragonwing on track for steady growth without detracting from my other commitments.

2. The Power of Delegation and Outsourcing

As an entrepreneur, it’s tempting to want control over every little detail, but I quickly learned this is neither feasible nor wise. To ensure Dragonwing’s progress while balancing my primary job, I began to look at where I could delegate. I started by outsourcing smaller tasks—social media scheduling, customer service inquiries, and order fulfillment—then expanded to working with skilled freelancers for graphic design and content creation.

One of the best decisions I made was establishing an ambassador program, where young athletes and their parents act as brand advocates. Not only does this bring our brand to life in an authentic way, but it also eases the marketing load on my side, creating a community of young girls who genuinely love and promote Dragonwing.

3. Automate Where You Can

Running a business is filled with recurring tasks, from managing emails to updating inventory. I realized early on that I could save time by automating wherever possible. From automated social media posting to email responses, these small adjustments free up my time for more strategic decisions. For instance, I set up automated messages for common customer service questions. Automating these processes has helped Dragonwing stay responsive and professional while letting me concentrate on bigger-picture tasks.

4. Setting Clear Boundaries

Maintaining clear boundaries between my full-time role and Dragonwing is crucial, not just for my productivity, but also for my peace of mind. I’ve set rules about when to work on Dragonwing, typically focusing on it before or after my primary job hours, or during my lunch breaks if I have specific calls to make. I let my team members know my availability, so we all have realistic expectations around timelines.

Boundaries also extend to personal time. Being disciplined about not working during weekends or late at night when possible has been key to staying healthy and avoiding burnout. Learning to say no when things feel overwhelming has been essential in managing both roles successfully.

5. Leaning on a Network of Support

No entrepreneur is an island. Building a network of mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs has been invaluable. From advice on handling specific challenges to moral support, my network has been my safety net. Whether it’s getting tips from other founders who manage full-time jobs, or leaning on friends and family who offer encouragement, the power of a supportive community cannot be overstated.

I’ve also joined entrepreneur groups where I can openly discuss challenges and gain insights from others who have been through similar experiences. For example, networking with other designers and suppliers has helped me streamline Dragonwing’s production process and identify the best quality fabrics, all of which directly impact the brand’s success.

6. Stay Disciplined and Celebrate Small Wins

When you’re juggling multiple roles, staying disciplined with your goals is essential. I start each week by setting clear objectives for Dragonwing, whether that’s refining our product design, connecting with new ambassadors, or finalizing content for our website. Being diligent about meeting these small goals each week ensures progress and allows me to celebrate the journey.

Running a side business can often feel like a series of small steps rather than giant leaps. By acknowledging each achievement—whether it’s launching a new product, getting a positive review, or hitting a sales milestone—I keep my motivation alive and stay grounded in the purpose behind Dragonwing.

7. Make Time for Self-Care

The balancing act can be intense, and it’s easy to overlook personal well-being. But if I’m not healthy and energized, neither my business nor my job will thrive. To avoid burnout, I prioritize activities that help me recharge. For me, this includes working out, spending time with family, and scheduling regular downtime. Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity; it’s what keeps me mentally and physically ready to face the demands of both roles.

Maintaining this balance has reminded me that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” formula for entrepreneurship. Some weeks, things go smoothly; others require late nights and difficult decisions. However, by establishing a structure, delegating tasks, and taking time to recharge, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to work toward Dragonwing’s growth while excelling in my full-time role.

Building a business while maintaining a full-time job is a challenging but achievable goal. For those looking to walk this path, remember: consistency, structure, and a supportive network make all the difference. With Dragonwing, I hope to inspire girls to embrace who they are and go after what they want. And for those with dreams of entrepreneurship, I hope my journey serves as a reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out to make your vision a reality. Stay disciplined, keep learning, and lean on those around you—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.