Balancing a Demanding Job and a Thriving Online Business: A Lesson in Effective Time Management
INTRODUCTION In our fast-paced world, it’s not uncommon for individuals to feel overwhelmed and claim they’re too busy to pursue their dreams, such as starting an online business. The daily grind, coupled with demanding responsibilities at work, can often make it seem like there’s just no room for anything else. I understand this predicament all too well, as I work as a senior executive in an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) where I report directly to the CEO, managing a team of four and a provider network spanning over 1000 healthcare professionals in Nigeria. However, I’m here to share my story, not as an attempt to brag about my accomplishments, but as a testament to the power of effective time management. My journey into entrepreneurship began when I decided to launch my online business, Eruxio Digital, serving clients in Nigeria and the UK. I also run two other successful websites, www.mjreennursingconsult.com and www.davidkunleagunbiade.com. And yes, I maintain all of this while continuing to excel in my full-time job, working from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. It’s not about boasting, but about demonstrating that, with the right approach, anyone can successfully balance a demanding career and a thriving online business. Prioritize Your Passion The first step to achieving this balance is to prioritize your passion. We often use “lack of time” as an excuse, but when you truly love what you do, you’ll find the time. My passion for healthcare made me studied nursing in the foremost university of Benin, in the process i became groomed in health education and client care, and just as human want is insatiable i developed a passion for the digital World and tech trend which fueled my determination to start my first online business as a visual content designer and brand strategist without quitting my day job. I knew that I wanted to make a difference in these fields and help others while securing my financial future. So, I made it a priority. Set Clear Goals Once you’ve identified your passion, it’s essential to set clear and achievable goals. In my case, I wanted to expand my online presence, reach a broader audience, and generate income from my websites. Having specific goals provided me with a roadmap, making it easier to allocate my time effectively. Master Time Management The cornerstone of my success is effective time management. Working as a senior executive with a direct line to the CEO means that my days are packed with high-stress, high-priority tasks. To balance my job and my online business, I implemented time management strategies. Prioritization: I learned to prioritize tasks at work and home. I allocated my prime energy hours at work for essential tasks, and I dedicated evenings and weekends to my online business. Delegation: Managing a team at work taught me the importance of delegation. I assigned tasks to my team members, allowing me to focus on higher-value responsibilities. Automation: I utilized automation tools for routine tasks in my online business. These tools streamlined processes like email marketing, social media management, and customer support, saving me time and effort. Time Blocking: Time blocking became my go-to strategy. I segmented my day into blocks, assigning specific tasks to each block. This method ensured that every aspect of my life received its due attention. Resilience and Discipline Balancing a demanding career and an online business requires resilience and discipline. There were moments when exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me, but I persevered. Discipline kept me on track, ensuring I met deadlines and remained committed to both my job and my online business. Embrace the Support Network I couldn’t have achieved this balance without the support of my family, friends, and colleagues. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network. Whether it’s help with household chores or emotional support during tough times, your network can make a significant difference in your ability to manage both your job and your business. to be a friend you must also be a friend. offer support to your network when the need arise without expecting anything in return and be the best you can ever be and rest assured of premium support when you really need it Continual Learning To thrive in the digital world, it’s crucial to stay updated and continue learning. I invested time on courses and seminars some of which are mandatory professional development programs just to ensure i stay current with trends in digital marketing, website design, healthcare service delivery and education both online and onsite. This knowledge proved invaluable in growing my online business. Celebrate Milestones Finally, it’s essential to celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Whether it’s reaching a certain income milestone or successfully completing a major project at work, take the time to acknowledge your efforts. This positive reinforcement will fuel your motivation to keep moving forward. My journey from being a senior executive in an HMO to a successful online business owner didn’t happen overnight. It took dedication, sacrifice, and a well-structured approach to time management. However, it’s important to remember that this is not about being superhuman; it’s about being efficient and focused. The key takeaway here is that you’re never too busy to pursue your dreams. It all comes down to how effectively you manage your time and prioritize your passions. I hope my story serves as motivation for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their current commitments. You can achieve your goals and create a thriving online business while maintaining your career, but it all starts with taking that first step and managing your time wisely. So, don’t let the “I’m too busy” excuse hold you back. Embrace the challenge, and you might just find that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.