Starting a Business: Side Hustle or 100% Commitment?
Succeeding as a business owner is as much about choosing the right path for you as it is picking the right product or idea. Our careers are never really separate from who we are as people, of course, so it is important to consider what kind of working life you want to lead when creating that future for yourself. It has to work for you as a person as much as it does as a business.
It’s not an easy decision to make, which is why many aspiring entrepreneurs find themselves torn. Should they start a business as a side hustle while holding onto the security of their current job, or dive in headfirst with a full-time commitment? While the choice can feel daunting, it’s one that shapes not just your business’s potential but your future as an entrepreneur.
So, how do you decide which approach is right for you?
Well, the path to success is never going to be one-size-fits-all. I know this firsthand from leading a home care business, an industry that demands full-time attention, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Yet, for some types of businesses, starting small and growing alongside your current career can be both strategic and fulfilling.
On the other hand, take a look at some of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs, such as Elon Musk, Richard Branson, and Jeff Bezos, who advocate taking bold risks and committing fully to their ventures. They attribute their growth and innovation to their willingness to go all-in, embracing uncertainty to achieve unparalleled success.
To help you navigate this crucial decision, here’s a practical look at the value each path offers and the unique challenges they pose.
Building a Side Hustle
Starting a business as a side hustle while keeping your day job can feel like the safer, more measured option. It allows you to test your idea, learn, and grow without the immediate pressure of financial dependency.
What It Offers: Security. A steady income allows you to experiment and adjust your business model with minimal risk. You can build at your own pace, learning the ropes of entrepreneurship one step at a time.
The Emotional Reality: While there is comfort in knowing you have a financial safety net, your business may grow more slowly or it might never take off. The hours after work become precious; every evening and weekend are dedicated to building your dream, and the split focus can weigh on you. Success as a side hustle often requires consistency to stay motivated despite fatigue and slower progress.
Best Fit: Consulting services, digital platforms, or small e-commerce ventures that don’t require constant real-time management thrive as side hustles. These are businesses where you can establish workflows that run efficiently without you being present 24/7.
Going All-In
Diving into your business full-time is the bold choice, the one that screams, “I’m all in’’. It’s a path defined by determination, relentless focus, and embracing the unknown.
What It Offers: Speed and depth. With your full attention on your business, you can respond swiftly to challenges, capitalise on market opportunities, and foster deeper client relationships. There is a singularity of focus that can accelerate growth and build momentum.
The Emotional Reality: This path is not for the faint-hearted. There are moments of doubt, of staring at the numbers and wondering if you’ve made the right choice, but there’s also a unique, indescribable feeling of ownership. Every victory, every lesson learned is yours, born from your commitment and resilience.
Best Fit: For businesses that demand constant oversight, like home care services or high-touch client businesses, a full-time commitment is essential. I can tell you from experience—building a home care business requires your presence. It’s not just about managing staff; it’s about being available for emergencies, ensuring compliance, and cultivating trust within your community. It’s work that won’t thrive on part-time involvement.
Of course, there is a 3rd way. One which, for many people, combines the best of each option: franchising! It still requires 100% commitment, but can offer much higher success rates due to established systems, strong support networks, and proven business models.
In Summary: The Choice is Yours!
Choosing between a side hustle and full-time entrepreneurship depends on the type of business you want to build and your personal circumstances. Businesses that can be scaled gradually, like online services or consulting, may thrive as side hustles. However, industries that demand full-time commitment, such as home care, require full investment to ensure quality, responsiveness, and sustainable growth.
Weigh up your options carefully, but remember this isn’t just about the kind of business you want to run – it’s about you. Get out there and read some stories, talk to people about their experiences, and you might find people whose journey resonates with you. Choose a path that aligns with your resources and desired speed of growth, yes, but also with your personal values and vision. Embrace what empowers you!
About the Author
Cristina Grancea, CEO of Sylvian Care, holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Psychology. With eight years as a social worker and ten years leading a home care agency, Cristina is passionate about empowering purpose-driven, aspiring business owners to create relationship-based home care services that prioritise excellence. Her mission is to help them make a meaningful impact in their communities while achieving the financial freedom they aspire to.
