‘It’s not impossible, just brutally scheduled’: Entrepreneur shares how he built a startup while working a 9-to-5 job
Building a startup is a dream many aspire to, but doing so while holding down a regular 9-to-5 job often feels like an impossible balancing act. However, the journey, though tough, is far from impossible with discipline and a commitment to the grind.
A story has emerged of one individual’s personal journey of launching a startup while maintaining a full-time job. He reported earning Rs 13.2 lakh per year in his current full-time job, which runs from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Then, from 7:30 PM to 1 AM, he switches to startup mode.
Quitting his job wasn’t an option due to financial responsibilities, including family needs, EMIs, and rent. Instead, he adopted a highly structured routine. Without the luxury of full-time entrepreneurship, he structured his life in blocks: weekdays involve 3-4 hours of nightly work, Saturdays are reserved for deep work and team calls, and Sundays go into marketing, strategy, and rest.
Despite the limited hours and tight budget, he managed to launch his first Shopify app within just six weeks. After spending Rs 11,000 on development tools and Rs 0 on advertising, he saw results by week three with six installs and the first paying customer, eventually making Rs 8,000 per month in monthly recurring revenue (MRR). While it’s not much, it’s a real and promising start.
This inspiring narrative highlights that dreams are achievable even under the weight of a packed schedule with clarity, strategy, and relentless effort. The entrepreneur emphasized that his intent wasn’t to boast, but to motivate others. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, caught between a job and a dream, don’t quit your job right away. Design your life intentionally, squeeze time, track progress, and stay consistent. You’ll surprise yourself in six months.
This story is a powerful reminder to those who dream of entrepreneurship. With structured planning, disciplined execution, and relentless push against the odds, it is possible to chase one’s dreams without immediately letting go of financial security provided by a stable job.
