Balancing Employment and Entrepreneurship
“At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithes of your produce for that year and deposit them within your own communities, that the Levite who has no hereditary portion with you, and also the resident alien, the orphan and the widow within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied; so that the Lord, your God, may bless you in all that you undertake” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
Moving from traditional employment to entrepreneurship has the potential to bring exciting opportunities. We may be looking to:
Pursue a passion project.
Have a more flexible schedule.
Work to develop our craft.
Increase our income potential.
Improve our work/life balance.
Spend more time with our family.
The journey is exciting—but how do we juggle the risks that come with a drastic jump from traditional employment to self-employment? Most of us, like myself, are not ready to cross that hurdle. In many cases, employment may have more temporary upsides, such as a stable income, benefits, and a steady workflow.
Taking the First Step
“Work should be the setting for this rich personal growth, where many aspects of life enter into play: creativity, planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’).
When I was growing up, my parents had to move away from traditional employment to start their business. It was a huge jump, since our household had always been dependent on my father’s income. My parents made the transition from steady single-income employment to both being self-employed. This change came with risks and challenges. At times, it caused difficulties and stress for our family.
When my husband and I set out to follow our dreams, we decided not to leave traditional employment. Instead, we chose to add our businesses to our household income. We chose the slow and steady path to success—which, for us, has meant less stress.
The Slow and Steady Path
If you’re considering leaving your job to start your own business, that’s wonderful. However, the transition can be daunting. There are several considerations to keep in mind.
Entrepreneurs often face financial uncertainty. By taking the slow and steady path and maintaining employment while your business develops, you can at least mitigate the financial strain on yourself and your household. This will not be an option for many entrepreneurs; some are nose-divers, jumping straight into the water and reaping the benefits almost immediately. But for some of us, the relief of financial stress by maintaining a job and a business is more valuable.
This steady path may be for you if you have:
A low risk tolerance.
A business that is developing slowly.
Financial needs, such as a mortgage payment.
If you fall into one or all three of these situations, then it’s worth considering juggling your small business and while maintaining a job.
There are some significant downsides to juggling traditional employment and a business. It can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually taxing. Maintaining a good work/life balance becomes crucial for well-being and success.
If you are currently balancing a job and a business or are considering it, there are steps you can take to prioritize self-care so that you don’t experience burnout:
1. Reflection
Self-reflection is vital. It helps you align your business with your faith and values. For example, you can think about your daily actions, and compare them to the principles of honesty, compassion, and social responsibility. Self-reflection fosters personal growth and spiritual development. It helps you handle challenges with resilience and grace. Reflecting on your faith in God’s plan will guide you in your life and business, helping to ensure that your journey stays purposeful, ethical, and fulfilling.
2. Prayer
Prayer provides a spiritual foundation. It aligns your business and whole self with God’s will. We all need a consistent prayer routine to anchor us amid business demands and deepen our faith. When you make time for prayer, you’re better able to seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and grace—all of which you’ll need in order to navigate business challenges and make ethical decisions.
Daily prayer also offers moments of reflection and gratitude. It fosters balance in a busy professional life. It nurtures our spiritual well-being, and it gives us inspiration and resilience to thrive in our work and our faith life.
3. Guidance
Guidance can take several forms. Choose one or more that work best for you, whether it’s a coach, a business mentor, a spiritual adviser, or a networking group.
Any of these options can give you the practical guidance and support you will need, but be sure to seek guidance that reflects your faith and values. Good guidance will empower you to pursue your goals in alignment with your faith and values.
For Catholic women entrepreneurs, it is possible to strive for harmony between work and life—even for those of us who are juggling employment and a business. Remember, this season is only temporary. With hard work and perseverance, your day job can become a thing of the past.
Ana K. Perez is a Catholic wife, mom to two daughters, and a freelance writer. She received a certification from the Pastoral Formation Institute at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. She loves her family, homeschooling her children, volunteering in parish ministries, music, blogging, and reading. Connect with Ana on LinkedIn, her writing portfolio website, and blog.