Balancing Work, Family, and Side Projects: Is It Even Possible?
Yes, and Here’s How
I’m excited to share this guest post from my friend, . We recently went live on LinkedIn to talk about balancing side projects with work and family—something we both juggle (or at least try to). It’s not easy, but it is possible.
Side projects don’t just sharpen your skills for your day job; they also open doors to new opportunities and lessons. At your 9-5, you don’t always choose what you work on—but with side projects, you’re the boss. Brittany shares thoughtful advice on making it all work.
Between a full-time job and a family, pursuing a side project can feel like an impossible dream. But is it really? If you’ve ever wondered whether turning something you love into more—after bedtime stories and all—is worth adding to your plate, you’re not alone.
Why Spend Free Time on Side Projects?
For many of us, side projects aren’t just about extra income—they’re a creative outlet, a way to build something meaningful, or even a potential future career path. They give us a sense of purpose beyond our day jobs and family roles. There’s something deeply satisfying about pursuing a passion on your own terms, even if it means working late nights or early mornings.
Side projects also offer autonomy. Unlike a 9-to-5, where your work is shaped by company goals and leadership decisions, your side hustle is yours. You set the vision, decide how to grow it, and reap the rewards of your efforts. That kind of ownership can be incredibly motivating, even if there are moments when you feel like you can’t give it your all.
Is Balance Even Possible?
The short answer? Yes—but not without intentionality. Balance doesn’t mean equal time for everything; it means making space for what matters most at any given moment. Some weeks, your job takes priority. Other times, family needs you more. And sometimes, your side hustle gets a front-row seat.
Balance is fluid. It requires constant reassessment and a willingness to adjust based on what’s happening in your life. The key is to recognize when you’re overextending yourself and course-correct before burnout hits. It is important to make sure you document your WHY and your goals to keep you focused as you shift your focus between everything.
Advice for Parents with Full-Time Jobs Wanting to Start a Side Hustle
If you’re a parent with a full-time job considering a side project, here are some tips to help you manage it without overwhelming yourself:
Start Slow and Give Yourself Grace – You’re already juggling a lot. Instead of diving in full force, start with small, manageable steps. Consistency matters more than speed, and grace is the key to longevity. It’s okay to move at your own pace—progress is still progress. There will be days when life takes over, and that’s normal. Allow yourself the flexibility to adapt without guilt, and trust that small efforts will compound over time.
Acknowledge Progress to Stay Motivated – It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough when progress is slow. Celebrate the small wins—each step forward adds up over time.
Pick Something You’re Passionate About – When you genuinely enjoy what you’re working on, it won’t feel like another job. Passion fuels perseverance, making it easier to stick with your side hustle even when life gets busy.
Time Block and Set Boundaries – Dedicate specific time slots to your side project, whether it’s early mornings, lunch breaks, or an hour after the kids go to bed. Protect that time as much as possible.
Get Support Where You Can – Whether it’s a spouse, friend, or a virtual mentor from LinkedIn, having someone to encourage you and help where possible makes a huge difference.
At the end of the day, balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about making it all fit in a way that works for you. If your side hustle brings you fulfillment, it’s worth making time for. Just remember: slow progress is still progress.
A big thank you to for sharing actionable advice on balancing your 9-5, family, and side projects. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn and check out her book, Our Sensory World.
 | A guest post by
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Love this article! One technique I'm trying myself is inspired by the book "12 week year". I've outlined my near term goals and things that I want to do with my side project, then worked with ChatGPT to break that into chunks that are manageable within 1-2 hours a day. This way I've created small task lists for myself so that I don't feel overwhelmed with the project as a whole, but I can also track my progress and see that I'm moving things forward.
To top that off, ChatGPT also wrote a small app for me to just tick off the tasks for the day and monitor the overall progress. It's a small silly thing but it's extremely satisfying to be able to check something off a list and see the progress bar grow 😀
I just read your post "Balancing Work, Family, and Side Projects", and I must say — it really resonated with me! I’ve also written something on a similar theme, so it felt especially relatable. Loved how honestly you’ve shared your perspective.
By the way, your content in general is great — insightful yet very real.
I’ve been working on ideas around engineering leadership and creating an "Engineering Manager’s Playbook" series on my Substack (tshasankda.substack.com). If you’re interested, I’d love to connect and possibly collaborate on something around this theme. I think our thoughts and writing styles could complement well.