Don't Quit Your 9-5 Just Yet

Money Tip of the Week: How to Start a Business Without Quitting Your Day Job

Have any of you been dreaming about the sweet moment where you can drop your 9-5 for good and run your own show?

I know I have. I always imagined it would be an epic mic drop moment…

In reality though, it’s likely just an email thanking your current company for the memories, a quick chat with HR, and returning your laptop to IT.

Still an awesome moment. Just maybe not super epic.

Either way, today I’m covering how to make that happen by starting your own business.

The idea of a side hustle can be exciting but also intimidating, especially when you’re balancing work, family, and everything else life throws at you.

But here’s the thing—it’s entirely possible.

Knocked-up Money originally started as a side hustle. I would work on the business either super late at night (after everyone went to sleep) or early in the morning before wakeup.

Let's just say, I didn't sleep much.

Fast forward a few years and I've turned my side hustle into my main gig, creating content for the blog and newsletter, along with helping parent-led companies grow.

Start with What You Know

The best side hustles align with your existing skills and interests.

Are you good at writing, designing, or teaching?

Or maybe you have a hobby you’re passionate about, like photography or crafting.

Start there. The key is to choose something that excites you because you’ll be dedicating your limited free time to it.

Time Management is Key

Let’s face it, time is the biggest hurdle for any parent.

But with a bit of planning, you can fit a side hustle into your busy schedule. Try time-blocking—set aside specific hours each week dedicated solely to your side business.

Whether it’s an hour after the kids go to bed or early mornings before work, consistency is crucial.

Remember, ever minute of your day is a trade-off. For every minute you work on your side hustle, you could be spending it serving your family…or sleeping.

Involve your family, it impacts them more than you may think.

Start Small, Think Big

Worried about the cost?

You don’t need to break the bank to start a side hustle.

Many ventures, like freelancing or creating digital products, require minimal upfront investment. Use free resources to get started—there’s no need to invest heavily until you’re sure your idea has potential.

Test the waters by offering your services on a small scale and refine your approach based on feedback.

Build Your Brand on a Budget

Even if your side hustle is small, branding matters.

Start with a simple brand identity—a logo, a name, and a clear message. Use social media, word-of-mouth, and digital advertising to spread the word.

Pick your favorite social media platform to start, but make sure your target audience is there as well. If you can gain an organic following online, it’s a free and powerful way to reach potential customers.

Plan for Growth

As your side hustle gains traction, keep an eye on your finances and legal responsibilities.

It’s easy to let these details slide, but managing your finances properly and understanding any legal obligations will set you up for long-term success.

If demand grows, you might even start thinking about scaling up—perhaps one day, your side hustle could become your main gig.

If you’re ready to learn more and dive a bit deeper on the above, check out my full blog post below.

Side Hustle Spotlight: Virtual Assistant

Being a virtual assistant is a flexible side hustle where you help businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, or social media.

It's perfect if you're organized and love supporting others, and you can do it from anywhere with an internet connection.

Average salaries vary wildly in the US. I’ve seen postings for as low as $10 per hour on Upwork, but according to Glassdoor, can be as high as $65k per year.

It all depends on your clientele and specialty.

If you’re interested to learn more, check out the below article by Coursera. It’s super informative and covers everything from where to find these part-time jobs to how to get started and stand out.

Interesting Things to Read

A few fellow parents reached out to me recently for additional growth resources.

Click below for a list of what I’m reading this week. I’ll keep this list updated and it’ll range from investing to careers, artificial intelligence, and raising kids.

All of the above reading recommendations are fellow newsletters putting out high-quality content for free.

Make sure to confirm your subscription and if you have any recommended readings, please send them my way.

Thanks for reading, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

I love writing content knowing it’s helping at least one family out there.

See you next week,

The Dollar Dad