Inside delicate art of balancing your side hustle with the main job
Illustration of balancing a full-time job and side hustle.
Like most things worth having, managing a side hustle alongside your day job comes with its fair share of challenges.
But with passion, organisation, and unwavering commitment, striking a balance is entirely possible.
Francis Warui, a full-time engineer and part-time baker, shares that a side hustle can significantly boost your financial stability.
Beyond the monetary benefits, it’s also a great way to stretch your creativity and broaden your skill set.
“One of the biggest challenges is the amount of time and effort it demands,” Warui explains. “Balancing both roles requires focus, strong commitment, and exceptional time management.”
Working as an engineer during the day means he must carefully plan his evenings to ensure he can work on his cake business and still carve out time to rest.
With only 24 hours in a day, time becomes your most valuable resource.
Creating a routine with dedicated time blocks, whether in the evenings, on weekends, or during lunch breaks, can help you stay consistent and keep your side hustle moving forward.
“To improve productivity, experiment with time management techniques,” he advises. “Try breaking tasks into smaller chunks. It makes the work feel less overwhelming and helps you stay efficient.”
Warui also highlights the importance of setting realistic goals and milestones. “A side hustle could be the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're doing it for extra income, to pursue a passion, or to transition into full-time entrepreneurship, having clear objectives keeps you focused.”
Setting boundaries is another crucial element. Without them, both your job and your side hustle can suffer. To prevent burnout, be intentional about your limits and stick to them.
He stresses that you don’t have to do it all alone. “Outsource when necessary,” he says. “Just make sure you're delegating to skilled people, so you’re not spending time on training.”
Delegating isn't just about offloading tasks—it’s key to freeing up time for high-impact work and an essential investment in your business’s long-term growth.