How to use your 9-5 to start your own business

How can you use your 9-5 day job to power you forward in your business? I'm talking growth that wouldn't be possible without your day job. Let's dive deeper...

So you want to start a business, but your 9-5 is preventing that from happening. You work all day only to come home exhausted and stressed from all of the problems you've had to solve and people you've had to deal with. How could you possibly find the time or energy to work on your own business? Plus, if you spend 40 hours of your week making the same money no matter how hard you work, how could you possibly make more just working a few hours at night? I have the answers for you.

Your 9-5 day job is your first investor in your dream job. Read that again. 

Every day you go to work, your day job is paying you to be able to afford your bills and food, and providing you with the necessary funds needed to start your business. Without your day job, you might have the stability and security you would otherwise be stressing over without it as you start your new business.

Having a 9-5 is an opportunity to get your finances in order as you begin taking welcomed risks with the extra hours you have in your day to create a fruitful business. Now, besides the finances and money your company is investing in you, there are a few ways to use the resources at your 9-5 to grow your skills.

1. Unlimited access to experienced professionals
Think of all of the different roles your colleagues hold within the company you work for. You have recruiters, mentors, human resource managers, project managers, finance departments, website designers, sales teams and so much more. After all, you are working for a company who has already done everything you're trying to do as you get started on your own. Learn from these people in their own areas of expertise. 

For example, listen to the sales team as they find their ideal clients and successfully pitch someone on an idea. Watch the website designers work their magic on developing an eye-catching, irresistible landing page for the company's new product. And the best one yet, if you can, ask your founder how they got started. What risks did they take? How did they grow the business from 1 paying client to 1000? What skills and lessons did they learn along the way, and what strategies did they use to overcome challenges? You have valuable resources who have years of experience doing what you're about to, and you have the opportunity to learn from them without even leaving your office, or paying for their time.

2. Opportunities to develop a well-rounded skillset
Take a moment and consider all of the different departments and tasks that go into making this company successful. How many projects are going on right now in different departments? Express your interest to your leader and other leaders within each department and ask how you can get involved in their projects by bringing your skills to the team, all while learning what tactics and skills they use to be successful.

Imagine if you could contribute to the marketing team as they launch a new product or service. Even if you're not specifically doing the marketing, you can sit in on their meetings and learn the tips and tricks they use to create a successful launch. Are they using social media to market? Google Ads? Outbound calls? Learn from them and apply it to your own business.

3. Making money, saving money, and investing money
You're already making your hourly or salary rate for your 40 hours a week of work. Does your company also have 401k or bonus opportunities? How about healthcare that is wayyy more affordable than paying for it on your own? Your company is investing in you and your future. Take advantage of every opportunity they give you to make, save, and invest money.

Seek opportunities to grow your bank account and your skillset. If there are any bonus opportunities that you're eligible for, go for them and make them happen. Similarly, if there are any leadership or growth opportunities, such as coaching sessions, free professional development books, webinars, or guest speakers, attend them. It is rare that these high-value opportunities will fall into your lap for free outside of your day job, so make the most of the resources your company is giving you!

Time for some tough love. You ready? Your 9-5 job is not keeping you from going after your goals and starting your business. You are. If you're not convinced by now, re-read everything above. Your current day job is giving you everything you need (and more) to grow your business before and after work. They're giving you the financial stability, unparalleled experience, and expert resources to become the best entrepreneur you can be. Now, it's up to you to commit to yourself and all of the people waiting for you to help them.

Get up an hour earlier. Focus on gratitude. Manifest your dream life. Take care of yourself. Work on your business. Educate yourself. Take every opportunity to build skills and experiences. Make it happen!

Comment below: What is your day job, and how are you utilizing it to grow your business?

Thank you for being you & thank you for being here,

Leah Jean
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