Balancing Act: Running a Home Bakery Business While Working a 9-5

In recent years, the trend of home-based businesses has skyrocketed, with many individuals pursuing their passions alongside their regular jobs. One that has gained significant popularity is operating a home bakery business. It’s low barrier to entry, and it doesn’t require a TON of skill right off the bat. However, the reality of managing a home bakery, as well as any side hustle, alongside a day job can be challenging. So, inside this blog, I wanna explore some practical tips on how to effectively operate a home bakery business while balancing the demands of a full-time job.

Understanding Capacity:

Before going all into your home bakery business, it's crucial to understand your INDIVIDUAL capacity. Capacity refers to the maximum amount of work or output that an individual or business can handle effectively. Everyone's capacity is different, influenced by factors such as time availability, skill level, and resources. An example of this would be someone in their 20s who is just pursuing entrepreneurship vs. someone in their mid-30s who is raising young kids. The person in their twenties is going to have A LOT more time and freedom to work on and in the business. Whereas the individual in their mid-thirties is going to have limited time and freedom because of all the other priorities and responsibilities they have going on.

One tip to balancing a small business while working a 9-5 is recognizing your limitations and starting small. Begin by offering a limited range of products that you can comfortably manage within your available time and resources. Then, as your business grows and you become more adept at managing your workload, you can gradually expand your offerings.

Implementing Processes and Systems:

Efficiency is key when juggling multiple responsibilities. Implementing processes and systems can streamline your operations and help avoid feeling overwhelmed. A few processes and systems I love is:

• Batch Baking: Dedicate specific days or times for baking in batches. This allows you to maximize your productivity and minimize the time spent setting up and cleaning up between batches.
• WORKING ON THE BIZ: Dedicate specific days and times throughout the week that you’ll spend doing ADMIN stuff for the business. Things such as answering inquiries, sending out quotes, creating social posts, writing email newsletters, and working on your website. This will help you have a clear schedule throughout the week and know what you have to do each day so you don’t get overwhelmed and fall off track.
• Inventory Management: Keep track of your ingredients and supplies to avoid last-minute trips to the store. Set up a system for reordering supplies to ensure you never run out of essential ingredients. I have a FREE inventory checklist that you can download here: https://www.janellecopeland.com/inventory 
• Prepare Ahead of Time and get ORGANIZED: Whenever possible, prep your ingredients or batters ahead of time and store them appropriately. This can significantly reduce the time required for baking when you have limited availability and by knowing where everything is, you limit the chance of you feeling overwhelmed and scramble-brained all the time. I have an entire YouTube video on my favorite organizational tools for your bakery that you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDxVe4s4olQ&t=2s 

Time Management, Boundaries, and Priorities:

Managing your time effectively is crucial when balancing a home bakery business with a day job. Here are some strategies to help you stay organized:

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your home bakery business and your day job. Designate specific hours for each, and avoid allowing one to bleed into the other.
• Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for both your home bakery business, your day job, and your PERSONAL life (Cause let’s be real, your mental, physical, and OVERALL wellness should be your #1 priority). Focus on completing high-priority tasks first, and delegate or postpone less critical tasks when necessary. If you’re more of a visual learner I have a great video on how to prioritize tasks and time management. You can watch that here:
• Schedule Breaks: Remember to schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout. I LOVE to schedule at least a couple of days off a week just to make sure I’m taking the time to take care of myself and I try to give myself at least a couple of weeks off a year where I’m not doing anything but being intentional with my time and doing things that I LOVE to do. Taking time to rest and recharge is essential for maintaining productivity and creativity. And also remember that this business is NOTHING without you. So, please take care of yourself first. It’s okay for this business NOT to be perfect. It’s okay to take time to reset, recharge, and get reenergized every now and then. Your to-do list and goals will still be there when you decide to jump back into it.
• Utilize Tools and Technology: Take advantage of tools and technology to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow. This could include using a scheduling software for social media posts (FUN FACT: Did you know Instagram has in-app scheduling), accounting software for managing finances like Quickbooks, recipe management apps for organizing your baking recipes, or even pricing apps like Bake Diary that will help you price all your products! (You can use the code: PASSIONTOPROFIT for 15% off an annual subscription)

Operating a home bakery business like any other side hustle or passion, while working a day job is super challenging, but with intentional planning and organization, it is 100% possible to achieve success. So much so, that you end up leaving your 9-5 and pursuing this new business full-time! By understanding your capacity, implementing processes and systems, and effectively managing your time, you can find a harmonious balance between your entrepreneurial dreams and your professional obligations. Remember to prioritize self-care and maintain clear boundaries to ensure long-term sustainability and fulfillment in both aspects of your life.