9-5 Entrepreneurs

"You truly are awesome! Believe it! It is common for project managers to get so caught up in the mundane work and forget that our work really is a game changer."

Balancing work and entrepreneurial endeavors as project managers is a challenge, but doable. Align your goals and you will succeed beyond expectations.

Project managers are some of the most genius people I know. We handle structure, organization, budgets, goals, and people well with a laser focus on perfection. For some of us our talents extend much further than our corporate roles. Some have aspirations to also start our own venture and share talents with those beyond the corporate arena. But can we have our cake and eat it too? The answer is yes! We are trained to balance some of the difficult projects between work and life. If you have a desire to also begin consulting others outside of work, it is possible. It is almost unheard of now to not have an entrepreneurial role outside of your 9-5. You have all the tools and skills necessary to succeed. Here is how I am balancing both:

• Time block: You are already a pro at this! Now just include that dream venture you want to execute.
• Prioritize: Some of us have other priorities outside of 9-5 that require attention. Based on your schedule and what you find important begin to organize your efforts. If you cannot fully commit to your venture with 1:1 opportunities for those clients consider online courses. Courses require pristine planning ahead of time and loaded to a site a like Thinkific or Teachable. Once complete market your course and allow your expertise to work for itself during your 9-5 and even while you sleep.
• Believe: You truly are awesome! Believe it! It is common for project managers to get so caught up in the mundane work and forget that our work really is a game changer. From the outside looking in others are amazed at what all we are able to accomplish with projects and large teams. Believe in your talents and know they are valuable.
• Unplug: At some point the grind deserves a break. Disconnecting from work is a must and really left to your discretion how many times this takes place. This refresh allows for a clear mind to jump back into the things you love.

Be clear on your desires, goals and what the perfect day looks like. The last thing I want is burnout. Investing time and energy in my work where is important, but also balance. Understanding what is priority and knowing what can be outsource, automated or deleted is key to the success of being a 9-5 entrepreneur.