Small Biz Diaries: Balancing a job and business

Hey friends! As some may know, in addition to running my small business, I work full-time. Because lets be real, the small business does not pay the bills. (Not yet at least). To give you a back story, I went to college for Business Administration and Healthcare Science. I have always enjoyed the managerial and administrative side of things. I actually tried to start a jewelry business in college, but I did not have the funds to do it. It was always in the back of my mind and I knew I would eventually do it. 

Fast forward to now being 5 years post college, I have worked at growing my career in the field of healthcare and business. Being in management, my full-time job can be demanding. Late nights, talking phone calls at all hours, stressful days, you name it. 

There has been plenty of times where I put Ivory Bloom on the back burner because I simply could not do both. But, I have always found a way to show back up for my business and keep building my dream. So, lets dive into what it looks like balancing a full-time and business! If this relates to you, I hope you find it useful and serves as a reminder to KEEP GOING!

The reality check  - Working a full-time job and side business is no joke. You clock out from one role just to clock back into another. Some nights it feels like there are not enough hours, and some mornings you wonder if it is all worth it. (Spoiler: it is). It can be even more difficult to balance in workouts, time with friends and family, vacations, or even just a couch day. 

Time blocks over "free time" - Instead of waiting for motivation, I block off windows of time in my personal schedule. Weeknights may consist of 1 hour dedicated to editing, posting, planning, or scheduling. Weekends consist of the niddy griddy, photoshoots, content creation, prepping new launches, inventory, etc. Treating these blocks like non-negotiable appoinments keeps me on task to get my work done. 

Systems save my sanity - Balancing both worlds get easier when you set up little systems. Scheduling and creating content in batches, meal prepping so weak nights are not completely wiped out, keeping my office organized. I have systems in place (laying out my work clothes, meals prepped, car filled up for gas for the week, etc) so that my work week can run as smooth as possible. I do the same thing for my business needs. 

Mindset shift - Remember your why. You started this business or passion project for a reason. Instead of being frustrated when there is little to no time, change your mindset to being grateful to have the opportunity to do both. It is better to build something slowly and intentionally, than rushed and messy. Every morning on my commute to work, I find time for grattitude that I was given the opportunity to show up to work, make a difference, while also being able to go return home and build my dream. 

Grace > Hustle - Some weeks you'll crush it, some weeks you may barely touch your business. That's okay. Balancing does not mean perfect. It means showing up consistent enough, that over time, little steps add up. When that order comes in, a social post gets a ton of notice, and new opportunites arise because of your efforts, that is what makes it all worth it. Those late nights, busy weekends, and hours spent editing will feel like it is making a difference. Because it is. And one day, that balance might shift completely - when the "side business" becomes the main thing. 

Xoxo - Morganne