Start a Part-Time Business: 5 Tips to Balance a Private Practice and a Job
Have you ever thought about starting a part-time business while also working in a job?
So many dietitians and healthcare professionals embark on the journey of starting a private practice “on the side” of another job. It’s not uncommon for you to have other commitments that prevent you from diving into a business full-time right away. This is so normal!
I can personally relate to this because I started my private practice while balancing multiple part-time jobs and other responsibilities. I understand the challenges of finding balance between work and business ownership.
Part-time private practice is not only worth it, but it is incredibly rewarding.
Make sure to download The Ultimate Checklist To Start Your Private Practice. This resource is for beginners who want to know the steps to take to start a business!
In today’s blog, we’ll be covering 5 tips to help you balance your part-time business and your full-time job at the same time.
Is Starting a Part-Time Business Worth It?
YES! A private practice as a part-time business should be worth the work! You can set up your new business within a month, start to see your first few clients, and then grow to fully booked. “That number “Fully booked” might be 3 clients/week, 10 clients/week, or a full-time workload of 25+ clients/week! No matter what you decide, there are things to consider in order to make it work for you.
- When will you work on your dietitian/private practice side hustle outside of your normal job hours?
- How much money do you want to make each week?
- How will you build a foundation for your business around your personality and strengths?
- How will you measure success? For many side hustlers, this means knowing when to coast in your side hustle until you decide you want to begin the process of growing to leave your job.
If the thought of starting a private practice brings up that nagging feeling of imposter syndrome, we have exactly what you need. Read our blog: Imposter Syndrome Exercises for Private Practice Professionals
Private Practice Gives You Extra Money Each Week
Every time you turn on the news, it seems like there’s negativity about the economy. Inflation is soaring, and everyday expenses like gas and groceries can take a toll on your wallet. You can’t control these things, but you can control how to respond to them.
With all the chaos happening in the world today, our clients need us more than ever. Trauma, uncertainty, mental health issues, and the influence of diet culture have led many people to develop unhealthy coping strategies. These individuals are actively seeking support from healthcare professionals.
This is our opportunity to demonstrate how our part-time businesses can truly make a difference. It’s a win-win situation: our clients receive the support they need, and our businesses not only generate income but also create a positive impact in the world.
Now, let’s talk about money because, let’s face it, building a business ultimately means making more money! Imagine what your life would look like if you were earning an extra $500 every week. That’s roughly equivalent to working with 3-5 clients per week, depending on your session fees.
How would that extra income change your life? What aspects of your life would be impacted?
That reality can become yours through a part-time business.
Here are tips to help you balance having a job and a part-time business:
Tip 1: Find Flexibility in Your Job
If you’re someone who wants to build a private practice on the side of your current job, find flexibility in your current job.
If you work full-time, ask your boss if it’s possible to work longer days in exchange for half a day off. You might even be able to negotiate working 30 hours a week to see clients in private practice 1 day/week. If your job is open, take advantage of it!
Adjusting your schedule to create dedicated time to focus on your business during regular work hours is essential for preventing burnout. You might start off working on your business nights and weekends but you’ll likely burn out quickly.
By prioritizing your business during regular working hours, you can give it the attention it deserves without sacrificing your personal time and well-being.
Tip 2: Have Consistency with Your Part-Time Business
With that, you have to hold yourself accountable for working on your business during that dedicated time. Write it in your calendar and treat it as a commitment.
If you can find 3 hours, twice a week to work on your business, that’s 6 hours you get to put into your business each week. You dedicating time when you’re able will add up and make a difference.
Set reminders, write them on sticky notes, find someone to hold you accountable – do whatever you need to do to stay consistent with working on your business.
Each small step you take in your business builds momentum and pushes you forward toward your bigger goals. No task is too small or unimportant, they all matter.
Tip 3: Understand the Importance of Visibility in Your Business
Visibility is key to success in your business. If people don’t know about your business and what you offer, they won’t be able to work with you.
It’s time to get in front of your community! Start to network and build your presence in your community.
You’ll want to start to build the know/like/love/trust factor with your business. Here are a few places you can network with people who know you:
- Talk to your family and friends to find more connections
- Use past and present client teams
- Reach out to professionals you’ve worked with in the past
- Tap into your local community connections
- Use your online community connections
When someone you know refers a potential client to you, that client probably already has a relationship with the person you know. This turns the potential client into a warm lead. Warm leads are more likely to convert into clients without YOU having to do anything.
Tip 4: Know That Most Situations Will Change
If you’re struggling right now – with your job, with your busy schedule, or anything in your personal life, know that nothing lasts forever.
Most situations in life will change. Everything is temporary.
Understand that it’s possible to get out of your current situation if you’re overwhelmed, unhappy, and burnt out.
Working long days to fit in your job and your part-time business at the same time doesn’t have to be forever. You’ll get through it by staying consistent and choosing to prioritize self-care no matter what.
Tip 5: Find Your People
Out of all the tips today, this one is the most important. If you have a job and a business on the side, you have to find your support system.
You don’t have time to go searching for all the answers on Google. If you find your mentors, they can help you get to the answers right away.
Your life is full and crazy and you need support, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Pursuing Private Practice has all the answers for you – whether you’re just starting your practice or you’re looking to grow, we can support you! Learn more about Business School and see if it’s a match for you. Business School is our business coaching program that includes education, connection, support, and accountability to help you take up space and become the business owner you were meant to be.
Start a Part-Time Business: The Takeaway
Starting a private practice or part-time business IS worth the work. By following these 5 tips, you can learn to balance your part-time job and your full-time job at the same time, without burning out.
- Find Flexibility in Your Job
- Have Consistency with Your Part-Time Business
- Understand the Importance of Visibility in Your Business
- Know That Most Situations Will Change
- Find Your People
Remember, you don’t need to build a business alone. We are here to support you!
Want to work with me to build your private practice?
Business School is a comprehensive 6-month program designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you’re fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you’ll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You’ll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you’re supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner. Learn more and apply!
