Let’s be real—most of us are or will have to juggle building our dreams alongside working a 9-5. We’ve got bills to pay, obligations to fulfill, and responsibilities that require us to contribute to someone else’s vision. But here’s the beauty in it: you can still build your own dreams while contributing to someone else’s, and you can do both well.
When I first started working, I didn’t realize I had a natural gift for coaching. It wasn’t until friends and colleagues began coming to me for career advice that I recognized this was something deeper than just giving out tips. As people kept asking for help with resumes, I decided to build a little side business to fulfill the need. What started as helping a friend tweak their resume eventually grew into what is now Savvy Girl Brand—a coaching and career service business that empowers women to advance their careers with confidence.
Building Savvy Girl Brand didn’t happen overnight. I was working full-time, which meant that I had to get creative with my time, energy, and focus. But here’s what I learned along the way: you don’t have to wait until you leave your 9-5 to start building your vision.
Here are some tips to help you build your dream while still working your 9-5:
Maximize your off-hours. Early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings are golden opportunities to work on your passion project. I used these windows of time to map out goals, write resumes, coach clients, build my business model, and refine my services. Consistency over time adds up, even in small doses.
Leverage your current job as a learning ground. Your 9-5 is not just a paycheck; it’s a training ground. Take note of the skills (technical and soft skills) you’re developing—time management, leadership, communication, etc. These skills will be vital when you start running your own show. Everything you do now contributes to your growth for the future.
Set clear goals and boundaries. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re balancing two worlds. Setting clear goals for your side business will help you stay focused. And boundaries? They’re crucial. Protect your time and energy for both your 9-5 and your own vision to avoid burnout.
Surround yourself with support. Back then, I didn't have much of a network to lean on. But I had the internet! I leaned on that a lot, utilizing free and inexpensive tools as much as I could to build. And eventually building a network of like-minding individuals that I could tap into for their support or expertise. Whether it’s seeking advice or asking for help, don’t be afraid to engage your community, or outside of it! Sometimes you'll find more support outside your immediate community by just reaching out. Their support can be the catalyst you need to push forward.
Trust the process.There will be moments when it feels like you’re not moving fast enough, or that your dream will never fully come to life. But remember, the journey matters just as much as the destination. Trust that the work you’re putting in now—no matter how small—will yield big results.
Building your dream while contributing to someone else’s isn’t just possible—it can be incredibly rewarding. Every skill I developed at my 9-5 fed directly into the the growth of my business. So, stay focused on your vision, and know that you’re building something great, even in the moments when it feels like a slow climb.
Your journey is yours. Trust it, work at it, and watch it grow.
Until next time, BE INTENTIONALLY SUCCESSFUL!
Faith GT
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