How I juggle my job, side hustle and family without losing my mind

The image above isn’t actually me, but sometimes I feel like that. With a way messier desk, and unwashed hair which is overdue for a root touch up.

You’ve got a full-time job, maybe kids who need your attention, and on top of that, you’re building a side hustle. That’s three full-time roles, but you’ve only got one you.

And now it’s winter.

The mornings are dark, the days are short, and the motivation? Yeah… not always easy to find.

If you’ve been feeling a bit weighed down lately, you’re not alone. But good news – it is possible to balance it all without burning out. Here’s what’s helped me (and what might help you too).

Knowing your why

Before you get caught up in to-do lists and time management tips, start with this:

Why are you doing it?

Your “why” is the anchor when everything feels like too much. Maybe you want financial freedom. Maybe you’re trying to build something of your own. Maybe you just want a backup plan.

Whatever it is, write it down. Stick it somewhere you’ll see it every day. It’s a lot easier to stay motivated when you remember what you’re working toward.

For me, I wanted to control the hours I worked, so I could spend more time with my horses during the week while it was daylight. I haven’t quite achieved the perfect balance yet, but it’s a lot closer than a few years ago.

Stop trying to do everything all the time

Here’s the truth: you can’t give 100% to your job, your family, and your side hustle all at once, all the time.

Something will always need more attention. And that doesn’t mean you’re failing, it just means you’re human.

We’re often sold this idea that “balance” means giving equal energy to everything, every day. But real balance isn’t about being perfectly divided. It’s about adjusting as life shifts.

Think in seasons.

There’ll be times when your job needs more from you (big deadlines, new projects, or just a heavier workload). Other times, your side hustle will take the front seat – maybe you’re launching something or riding a wave of momentum. And of course, there’ll be seasons when your family needs more of your focus – school holidays, sickness, or just a gut feeling that they need you present.

Let yourself flex with those seasons, and switch that out of office on.

Instead of chasing the myth of doing it all, ask: What matters most this week? Then let that guide your focus and energy.

Some weeks you’ll thrive. Others you’ll coast. Both are valid.

Manage your time (like it matters)

Time is your most limited resource. And if you’re trying to balance work, family, and a side hustle, you probably feel like there’s never enough of it. So it’s important to treat your time like gold. Not everything needs more effort. Sometimes it just needs more structure.

Here are a few ways to make the most of the time you do have:

• Use small windows
  Waiting in the car? Got 15 minutes before a meeting? Use those tiny pockets of time.
  Why it helps: You don’t need a full afternoon to make progress. Reply to an email, jot down ideas, or schedule a post. These small tasks add up and help you stay on track.
• Set timers and work in short sprints (25 to 45 minutes)
  Try using a timer to stay focused on one task at a time.
  Why it helps: A ticking clock helps you stay focused and avoid distractions. Short bursts of work feel manageable and are easier to start, especially when you’re tired.
• Batch tasks wherever you can
  Instead of jumping between different things all day, group similar tasks together. For example:
  • Write a week’s worth of content in one session
  • Do all your admin in one block
  • Prep meals in advance
    Why it helps: Batching helps you get into flow, saves mental energy, and makes your to-do list feel less scattered.
• Protect your downtime
  This one’s easy to skip, but it matters. Rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
  Why it helps: When you give yourself proper breaks, you come back more focused, more creative, and less stressed. It keeps you going for the long haul.

These tasks have helped me manage my workload effectively – especially setting a 20 minute timer, and batching tasks. My brain just works better that way.

But managing your time well doesn’t mean cramming every moment full. It means being smart about how you spend your energy. A little planning goes a long way.

Set boundaries (and actually stick to them)

Burnout doesn’t usually hit all at once. It creeps in when everything starts to blur together – work, your side hustle, family life, personal time. Before you know it, your brain is always switched on and your to-do list follows you everywhere.

Boundaries help you draw clear lines between different parts of your life. They keep things separate, which makes it easier to focus, rest, and actually enjoy what you’re doing.

Here’s what that can look like:

• Turn off business notifications at night
  Set app limits or use “Do Not Disturb” mode. You don’t need to check every message as soon as it comes in.
  Why it helps: You give your mind a proper break, and you’ll be more focused the next day.
• Say no to new clients if your plate is already full
  It might feel hard when you’re building something, but taking on too much does more harm than good.
  Why it helps: You avoid burnout and give better service to the clients you already have.
• Block out work time, even if it’s just 30 minutes
  Decide when you’re working and when you’re not. Let your family know those times too.
  Why it helps: Focused blocks are more productive than trying to squeeze in work around everything else.

My partner is a Chartered Accountant (and a really good one). He likes to remind me that in accounting “no one has ever died from leaving something to the next day.” Unless you’re working for the mob or you’re a surgeon, that’s probably true.

One change that really helped me was stopping the habit of checking emails outside of work hours. At first, I worried I’d miss something urgent. But nothing ever blew up overnight. And more importantly, I started feeling so much more present in the evenings – whether it was being present over dinner with my partner, playing with my animals, or just switching off properly on the couch.

Boundaries aren’t about being rigid or difficult. They’re about creating the space you need to think clearly, feel grounded, and keep going without burning out.

Let your family in on the plan

Your side hustle doesn’t just affect you. It affects your household too, so it’s worth bringing them along for the ride.

When you’re working late, skipping a weekend event, or feeling distracted by a big launch, your partner and family feel that. The best thing you can do is let them in on what you’re building and why it matters to you.

For me, it’s not just about managing my time. It’s about managing the energy in my home. I’ve got a partner, friends, family, and a few horses who are as demanding as any client.

If I try to power through hustle mode without keeping everyone in the loop, things start to unravel.

Here’s what helps me:

• Talk about your goals
  Whether it’s over dinner or during a quiet moment, share what you’re working on and why. When your partner knows the bigger picture, they’re more likely to back you during busy weeks.
• Celebrate the small wins
  Hit a new milestone? Land a new client? Even if it seems small, share it. It helps your family feel involved, not left out.
• Be clear about your schedule
  Let them know when you’ll be working and when you’re off. That way, no one’s left wondering when they’ll get your attention.

When everyone’s on the same page, the late nights feel more like a shared mission instead of something that pulls you away. And in my case, making time to have dinner with my partner or taking Dexter (the dog) for a walk is just as important as answering client emails.

You don’t have to do it all alone. Letting your household be part of the journey makes the whole thing more sustainable – and way more rewarding.

Automate, delegate, and drop the rest

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Honestly, you shouldn’t.

When you’re juggling a full-time job, a side hustle, and a household, your time and energy are limited. The goal isn’t to squeeze more in. It’s to make the important stuff easier and let go of the rest.

Here’s how I approach it:

• Automate whatever you can
  Think about the tasks you do over and over. Things like invoicing, sending follow-up emails, booking appointments, or posting to social media. Use tools that do the heavy lifting for you.
  Why it helps: Automation takes things off your plate without needing a human to step in. It saves time and stops things slipping through the cracks.
• Delegate the stuff that drains you
  This doesn’t always mean hiring a full-time assistant. It could be someone to clean the house, deliver your groceries, or help out with admin for a couple of hours each week.
  Why it helps: Delegating frees you up to focus on the tasks only you can do. It also gives you breathing space to think, plan, or rest.
• Drop the things that just don’t matter
  Not every task is important. If something’s been sitting on your to-do list for weeks and no one has noticed, maybe it doesn’t actually need doing.
  Why it helps: You save your energy for the things that truly move you forward, instead of being busy for the sake of it.

Let go of the idea that doing more means being more successful. Sometimes real progress looks like simplifying everything, so you can put your time and energy into what actually matters.

Know what burnout looks like

Burnout doesn’t always feel like hitting a wall. Sometimes it creeps in quietly, and you don’t even notice it at first.

Maybe you’re tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep. Maybe the hustle that once excited you now feels like a chore. You might find yourself getting snappy with people you care about, or just wanting to be left alone more than usual.

These are signs your body and mind are asking for a break.

The tricky part is that burnout often feels like you just need to push through. But ignoring those signals only makes it worse.

If any of this sounds familiar, take a moment to check in with yourself. What do you need right now? More sleep? Less screen time? A proper day off where you don’t feel guilty for resting?

Taking a break isn’t failure. It’s part of keeping yourself in the game for the long run. Looking after your energy is one of the best investments you can make in your business — and in yourself.

Final thoughts

Balancing a job, a side hustle, and family life isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you – one that you can actually stick with without burning out.

Some days you’ll be on top of everything. Other days, the laundry will pile up, dinner will be toast, and your inbox will stay full. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re human.

Give yourself some grace. You don’t need to build something that drains you.

Build something that supports your life and leaves room for joy, rest, and the people you care about. That’s what real success looks like.