Work, Life, And Your Business: How To Make Space For It All (Without Burning Out)
Whether you’re starting your own business while managing a full-time job or parenting full-time is no small thing. It takes grit, planning, and a whole lot of intention (and lots of coffee).
The good news? Not only is it possible… it’s something thousands of Dubsado users are doing every single day.
So if you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really do both?” - the answer is yes. And we’re here to help you make it work in a way that actually fits your life, not fights against it.
1. Make peace with your pace
One of the biggest sources of pressure is the comparison game… thinking you have to move fast or move at the same pace as someone who is running their business full-time, has additional support, no family to take care of, etc.
But the truth is, success doesn’t have to happen on anyone else’s timeline but yours.
Whether you can only carve out 5 hours a week or are squeezing in late-night sessions after the kids go to bed, your compounding progress is still progress. And it matters.
When we asked Dubsado Ambassador Krista Olynyk for a motivational quote that keeps her grounded, she shared this powerful reminder: “This pace is on purpose.” Remember that the next time your inner critic tries to tell you you’re “behind.” You’re not.
2. Get clear on your priorities (and say no to the rest)
When your time is limited, your energy becomes gold. So you’ve gotta protect it at all costs.
Focusing on 1-2 offers you can confidently deliver
Saying no (for now) to platforms, projects, or shiny extras that don’t serve your current goals
Prioritizing revenue-generating or momentum-building work like client work and marketing visibility so you are consistently lead nurturing over busywork (ahem, this is where Dubsado comes in to take the admin overwhelm off your plate!)
Pro tip: Revisit your priorities often. Life changes, your energy shifts — and that’s okay. Realignment is part of the process.
3. Time-block your week with intention
You don’t need a perfectly color-coded schedule or optimized routine, just something repeatable that works for you.
That could look like:
Early mornings or late evenings for deep client work
Weekend sprints for marketing or admin
30-minute lunch breaks for quick tasks or learning (or just sit in silence - also valid!)
Have a list of “quick win tasks” that take 10 minutes or less, so when you find those pockets of free time or can habit stack, you can knock them out in a flash.
You can also give your days a theme, like:
“CEO Monday” - plan, review, reset (learn about planning successful CEO Days)
“Client Tuesdays” - deliverables, emails, and client calls
“Marketing Friday” - content creation, outreach, visibility, networking
This kind of rhythm helps cut down on decision fatigue and builds sustainable momentum.
4. Use tools that do the heavy lifting
If you’re doing it all solo, your systems matter. The right tools can reduce stress, protect your time, and help you look professional from day one.
Here’s a simple tech stack to help lighten the load:
Dubsado: Client management tool to send proposals, contracts, schedule appointments, send invoices and accept payments, and workflow automation - all in one place.
Canva: Quick, beautiful designs for client materials or social graphics.
Google Workspace: Emails, documents, spreadsheets, and calendar.
Notion, ClickUp or Trello: Keep track of tasks, ideas, and goals.
You don’t need all the tools… just a few that help you focus and deliver.
5. Communicate your boundaries
Whether with clients, family, or your day job boss… boundaries are essential.
Start by defining:
Office hours: You can use Dubsado’s office hours and schedule to send later features to only send communications during the office hours you prefer so clients only think you’re working 9–5 (even if you’re replying at 10pm in your sweats).
Turnaround times: Set expectations in your welcome guide or email templates.
Preferred communication: Tired of Instagram DMs asking for project updates? Keep communication in one place, like your Dubsado client portal and email or Slack.
And don’t forget boundaries for yourself, too. Close the laptop and enjoy being present doing the things you love most. Rest is productive, too.
Need support? Check out our blog on setting boundaries that reduce stress and keep the client relationships professional and warm.
6. Find your people
Trying to do this alone? That’s a fast track to burnout.
Build a circle that gets it… whether that’s your biz bestie, a local coworking club, or our very own Dubsado Community.
You’ll find freelancers, side-hustlers, and work-from-home parents who totally understand the juggle - and want to be your cheerleader to see you win.
7. Celebrate the small wins
It’s easy to get caught up in what you haven’t done. But remember: you’re building a business, one intentional step at a time.
That new inquiry you got referred from a past client?
That process you finally streamlined to take stress off your plate?
That one email you sent after procrastinating for a week?
It all matters.
Try this: Start a “win list” and add one thing a day, no matter how small. It’s a great reminder of how far you’ve come, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
The bottom line? You’re doing more than enough.
Your time might be limited, but your potential isn’t.
With the right tools, a little structure, and the right kind of support, you can build a business that fits your life (not the other way around).
And when you’re ready to streamline your systems, free up mental space, and deliver an amazing client experience? Dubsado’s got your back.
Or take the next step with our free guide if you’re ready to reset, simplify, and scale your creative business without burning out, this guide will help you do it… so you can thrive, not just survive.
