Juggling a Full-Time Job and Building an Online Business

Let’s be honest: starting an online business sounds exciting — freedom, flexibility, maybe even escaping the 9–5 grind.

But what happens when you’re still working full-time? How do you fit it all in without burning out?

That’s been my reality. I didn’t quit my job and suddenly launch Volcano Publishing. I’m still working full-time as a fire instructor, while building my business in the cracks — before work, after work, and at weekends. And let me tell you, it’s both rewarding and messy.

100% in the day job as its a love of mine teaching people and helping hem achieve their goals - whilst being able to work with amazing instructors around the world within the Fire Industry.

The skills I've learnt whilst building an online business have certainly transferred into the day job to help streamline some of our training and organisation methods.

Why Start a Side Hustle in the First Place?

For some, it’s about extra cash. A little side money for meals out, holidays, or paying off bills.

For others, it’s about freedom — the dream of replacing the day job and running your own show.

And sometimes, it’s as simple as decluttering your garage and selling a few things on eBay… only to realise, “Hang on, I could actually make this a business.”

For me, it was all three. But over time it grew into something more — the desire to create Volcano Publishing, a business that helps people find and complete the right online courses and tools to start their own journeys.

The Reality of Juggling Both Worlds

Here’s the truth: working a full-time job while setting up a side hustle is no walk in the park.

• Time is tight. My evenings and weekends double as “business hours.”

• Energy is limited. After a day of teaching future fire instructors, it would be easy to just switch off.

• Discipline is tested. Netflix, social media, and life distractions suddenly feel ten times stronger.

But here’s the flip side: the discipline I’ve built from balancing both has become my superpower.

What’s Worked for Me

Here’s what helps me keep Volcano Publishing moving while still working full-time:

1️⃣ Carve out non-negotiable time. For me, that’s an hour a day minimum. Even on the busiest days, I commit to doing something for the business.

2️⃣ Stack habits onto routines. Morning walk? I’ll listen to a podcast. Coffee break? I’ll jot down ideas for a blog. These micro-moments add up.

3️⃣ Accept imperfect progress. My first blogs weren’t perfect. Some projects still take longer than I’d like. But “done” beats “perfect” every time.

4️⃣ Celebrate small wins. A new subscriber. A positive email reply. A blog that sparks conversation. These are the signs that it’s working.

Why It’s Worth It

Yes, it’s hard. Yes, there are days when I wonder if I’ve taken on too much.

But here’s what keeps me going: the freedom I’m building brick by brick.

I want Volcano Publishing to give me the flexibility to support my family, travel the country watching my daughter play football, and eventually work anywhere in the world without being tied to one place.

That vision makes the long days worth it.

Final Word

If you’re working full-time and building a side hustle, you’re not alone. It’s tough. It’s messy. But it’s also one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.

I’m living proof — still balancing a full-time job and building Volcano Publishing one hour at a time.

Start small. Sell an item. Write a blog. Post your first affiliate link.

Don’t worry about building Rome overnight. Just lay one brick every day.

Because one day, you’ll look back and realise your “little on the side” wasn’t so little anymore.

👉 Over to you: What’s your side hustle dream — and how are you making it work alongside your day job?