Juggling the 9 to 5 while Building my own Business

After returning home from travelling I was determined to follow my dream of working with horses. However, the thing with building your own business is you still need an income while you’re starting out. So I went back to teaching Maths in secondary school four days a week and, on my fifth day (Wednesday – a great day to have off by the way), I catch up on yard jobs, work behind the scenes setting up my own business and book in riding lessons. I’m lucky because I love my real job and I love helping children in school; just not quite as much as I love horses!

Six weeks into juggling real work, my dream work and my personal life and it’s starting to feel real. I knew it was going to be challenging, horses before work, teaching in school all day, horses after work then planning lessons until late most night – oh, and there are no weekends in the equine industry. But I prepared myself for it and warned James I may be grumpy if I don’t get enough sleep! Sleep is key. If I can get a minimum of 7.5 hours a night I’m okay. Any less than that and, well, we try never to get there!

My first livery arrived this weekend. Two horses that I am responsible for; life is going to get a little more busy. But it’s ok, I’m excited, this is what I signed up for. Besides, Mocca will enjoy the break now I won’t be riding her every evening.

I know there’s a long road ahead, and the hard work is only just beginning, but I feel like this weekend is a big step towards my dream. In the end, when I have built my own, successful, profitable business, it’ll all be worthwhile.