Balancing a Full-Time Role with a Consulting Side Hustle
Many public health professionals aspire to launch or grow a consulting practice while maintaining their current positions. It is possible to excel in both areas by implementing strategic time management and clear professional boundaries. This blog post offers detailed insights and actionable steps for anyone looking to combine a full-time role with a thriving consulting side venture.
Key Considerations for Dual Roles
Prioritizing Responsibilities
Core Commitments: Identify non-negotiable tasks associated with a primary job (e.g., scheduled meetings, project deadlines) to ensure that essential obligations are met.
Consulting Deliverables: Estimate the scope and timing of side projects in advance. Clear assessments prevent overcommitting and help maintain credibility with both employers and clients.
Strategic Time Management
Work Blocks and Scheduling: Allocate specific hours for consulting tasks—mornings, evenings, or weekends—to optimize focus. Using dedicated time blocks also makes it easier to measure progress.
Productivity Tools: Platforms like Trello, Asana, and ClickUp streamline workflow by assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking project status. Calendly or similar scheduling tools can simplify arranging meetings with clients or collaborators.
Batching Tasks: Grouping similar tasks (e.g., invoicing, proposal writing, email follow-ups) can minimize context-switching and enhance efficiency.
Establishing Clear Boundaries
Employer Policies: Review any organizational guidelines regarding secondary employment to avoid conflicts of interest and remain transparent.
Communication with Clients: Clarify availability, expected turnaround times, and preferred methods of contact. Clear parameters protect personal time and keep expectations realistic.
Personal Well-Being: Building in downtime is critical for stress management and overall productivity. Consistent mental breaks and time off help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Selecting the Right Projects
Alignment with Expertise: Focus on consulting engagements that leverage existing skills to reduce the learning curve and ensure confident service delivery.
Scalability and Scope: Start with projects of manageable size and consider expanding the portfolio as capacity and resources grow.
Reputable Partnerships: Collaborating with established organizations or fellow consultants can ease the burden of client acquisition and provide mentorship opportunities.
Regular Evaluation and Adjustment
Performance Metrics: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as project completion rate, client satisfaction, and personal energy levels.
Financial Tracking: Keep a detailed record of all consulting-related income and expenses to assess profitability and plan for future growth.
Iterative Improvements: Periodically refine schedules, processes, and client outreach strategies. A flexible approach allows for ongoing optimization.
Further Professional Support
For ongoing mentorship, curated resources, and peer discussions, the Public Health Club serves as an excellent community to help balance a primary job with side consulting work. Members can access tailored guidance, share insights, and stay informed about emerging opportunities in public health.
