Starting a Part-Time business while working - beginner’s advice

by Startacus Admin
Many people harbour an unfulfilled dream of starting their own business, a secret yearning for self-sufficiency and independence that they keep quietly tucked away each day as they head off for work.
It is an ambition that for most will remain unrealised as they allow practicalities, financial responsibilities and other life circumstances to snuff out any hope of ever achieving it.
That’s why when someone approached Startacus last week saying “I really want to start my own part time business alongside my day-job but I have no idea about how to manage the practicalities of it”, we decided it's about time we provided some basic tips to help people take their first steps into running a part time business. It’s never going to be an easy ride, but don't let that put you off, the rewards are potentially great!
What kind of businesses are well suited?
When we hear 'part-time business' we almost instinctively think 'online trader' and whilst selling goods and services online is an excellent example of a feasible part-time business there are a wide range of other concepts which can be equally attainable.
These include (but are not limited to) a bed and breakfast, baking and catering, car valeting, childcare, cosmetic promotions, ironing/laundry services, skills classes (music, art, cooking etc), alteration/sewing services, musical performance, pet minding, virtual assistant services... The list really could go on and on but the point is, there is a part-time business out there to suit almost every skill-set and schedule.
What are the pros and cons?
Pro's...
-
Pro - You will have the peace of mind and security of knowing that even if your business fails you have a regular income to fall back on
-
Pro - Starting a business part-time allows you to test its viability without committing huge investments of money and time
-
Pro - Many part-time businesses can be run from home which allows those with dependants to work conveniently alongside other obligations
-
Pro - If successful, part-time businesses can prove very lucrative
Con's...
-
Con - It can be extremely difficult to find the time to run the business and balance your existing work and personal obligations
-
Con - Setting up a part-time business alongside another job can create a lot of stress
-
Con - It can take a long-time for a part-time business to grow sufficiently to deliver a profit
Continued on Page 2.....
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Planning to launch a fashion brand this year? Here are a few basic tips that will help you do just that and get your business off to the right start

Bippit is an online platform and app that helps companies to support the financial needs of their employees - not just via their salary

2021 may be a challenging time to start a business, but these tips should help you get it right...

Startacus and Hatch Enterprise celebrate International Women’s Day by partnering with NetMinds to bring together female founders for a virtual speed networking event

Keeping customers engaged is vital for any small business - these basic tips will help you do just that

Alchemy Technology Services, the Derry-based centre of excellence for insurance software implementation receives recognition for its commitment to diversity

For the first time ever, the Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge has both a British winner and runner up in the form of innovative startups SoluBlue and Jiva Materials

The innovative Italian company that has created Handshield, a hand protection wrap to protect users from bacteria and viruses

If you’re thinking about starting an ecommerce business, these tips will help you do just that...

The lowdown on Pentaform, the London-based startup that has created an easy-to-use and eco-friendly personal computer that is globally accessible
Published on: 12th September 2013
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startacus and Hatch Enterprise offer speed networking IWD-inspired event 24th Feb 2021 Startacus and Hatch Enterprise celebrate International Women’s Day by partnering with NetMinds to bring together female founders for a virtual speed networking event
- Alchemy Technology Services receives Bronze Diversity Mark NI Award 23rd Feb 2021 Alchemy Technology Services, the Derry-based centre of excellence for insurance software implementation receives recognition for its commitment to diversity
- Groundbreaking British inventions win global sustainability prize 23rd Feb 2021 For the first time ever, the Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge has both a British winner and runner up in the form of innovative startups SoluBlue and Jiva Materials
- Wombat lands £2m investment as appetite for thematic, fractional trading grows 9th Feb 2021 The innovative investment platform Wombat secures major funding to help with further development and to expand the shares and investments on offer