I have a full-time corporate job in tech sales. I also travel a lot, create content, run this blog and now I’m building a small online business on the side.
People often ask me: “How do you do all of that? When do you find the time?”
The honest answer: I don’t do everything every day. I have a simple system, I use AI a lot, and I protect a small amount of time every single day. In this post I share how I build a side business next to my full-time job, what I’ve launched so far, and what I’d tell you if you want to start one too.
Why I started a side business
My job keeps me busy, but I’ve always wanted something of my own too. Something I build from my own story and experience, that can grow over time.
Over the years, people kept asking me the same questions: how did you get a job abroad, how do you switch careers, how do you travel so much with a full-time job? I realised my experience could help others, and that I could turn it into products and content.
What I’ve built so far
I’m starting small and honest:
- A digital product. My Job Search Kit, a simple guide with everything that helped me in my own job searches.
- Content. Reels on Instagram, videos on YouTube and this blog, around four themes: corporate life, raw and real stories, travel and family, and dance and wellness.
- Collaborations. Working with brands on content when it fits my life.
It’s early days, and that’s okay. Every big thing starts small.
How much time I spend on it
Right now I spend around one to one and a half hours every day on my side business, plus extra time on weekends.
That doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up to around 10 hours a week. That’s enough to write, create, plan and launch, if you use the time well.
My system: how I make it work
1. One small block every day
I don’t wait for a “free day”. I protect a small daily block, whenever it fits around work, and I use it for one thing only.
2. One focus per week
Trying to do everything at once is the fastest way to burn out. I pick one or two focus areas for the week, for example, one product task and one content task.
3. AI does the first draft
This is my biggest time-saver. I use Claude to help me plan, draft, organise ideas and even build small tools. I explain what I want, AI gives me a first version, and I review and make it mine. I shared more in how I use AI at work to save time.
4. One place for everything
I keep all my tasks, ideas and plans in one personal dashboard that I built with AI. Work, business and personal life in one view. No more ten apps and lost notes.
5. Batch content
Instead of creating something new every day, I film several things at once, especially when I travel. Then I edit and post them over the following weeks.
6. Weekends for bigger work
Bigger tasks, like launching a product or writing long blog posts, go into my weekends. Weekdays are for small, steady progress.
Rules I follow so my job doesn’t suffer
My full-time job comes first. These rules keep things clean:
- Check your employer’s policy. Many companies allow side income, but often with conditions. I checked mine before starting.
- Never use work time or work tools. My side business happens outside working hours, on my own laptop and accounts.
- Keep it separate. My products and content don’t use my employer’s name, brand or materials.
- Protect your energy. If work is busy, the side business slows down. That’s fine.
The admin part (Netherlands)
If you earn money from a side business in the Netherlands, you usually need to register your business with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and handle VAT and income tax correctly. Many people start as a sole trader (eenmanszaak), and that’s how I set mine up.
Rules and thresholds change, so check the Belastingdienst website or talk to an accountant for your situation. It’s less scary than it sounds once you start.
What’s hard about it (honestly)
It’s not all easy:
- Some days I’m just tired. After a long workday, the last thing I want is more work.
- Progress feels slow. You don’t see results for weeks or months.
- It’s easy to overthink. Perfect is the enemy of done.
What helps me is remembering why I started, keeping my daily block small, and celebrating little wins, like the first product going live.
Tips if you want to start a side business
- Start with what people already ask you. That’s usually what you know best.
- Pick one idea, not ten. You can add more later.
- Launch something small fast. A simple digital product, a guide or a service.
- Use AI for the heavy lifting. Drafts, plans, research and organising.
- Protect 30 to 60 minutes a day. Consistency beats long weekends of panic.
- Share your journey. Content builds trust, and trust brings customers.
If you’re thinking about a bigger career change too, read is it too late to change careers at 30.
Looking for your next job, at home or abroad?
I put everything I used into one Job Search Kit: a CV and LinkedIn check, outreach messages, interview answers and a salary script.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start a side business while working full-time?
Yes, in most cases. Check your employment contract and company policy first, keep it outside working hours, and don’t use company resources.
How much time do I need for a side business?
Even 30 to 90 minutes a day works if you’re consistent. I spend around one to one and a half hours a day, plus some weekend time.
Do I need to register a side business in the Netherlands?
If you earn money from it regularly, you usually need to register with the KvK and handle tax. Check the official KvK and Belastingdienst websites or ask an accountant.
What is an easy side business to start?
A digital product based on your own experience, like a guide or template, is one of the easiest to start, because it needs little money and you can sell it online.
What side business would you love to start? Tell me in the comments 👇
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