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Is going to school and creating a business at the same time easy?
This is something that has been on my mind a lot
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Eric’s Answer
Noah, it is certainly possible to create and run a business while in college but it should be understood that college is demanding. I suggest getting through your first year before starting anything so that you can see how to balance your time based on the demands of college. In selecting a business, it is important to select something that would not demand your time at any time of the day. It should be something that only demands your time when you choose to allow it.
When I was in college I had a vending machine business and a carpet cleaning business. After I found stores to place the vending machines, I only had to work once per month to service the machines and collect the money. For carpet cleaning, once I got established I had about two to three jobs per month, mainly restaurants that I cleaned every few months at night. For the most part, these businesses allowed me to limit the amount of time that I needed to dedicate each week to them so that I could stay focused on my studies.
I wish you the best in your ventures.
-Eric
When I was in college I had a vending machine business and a carpet cleaning business. After I found stores to place the vending machines, I only had to work once per month to service the machines and collect the money. For carpet cleaning, once I got established I had about two to three jobs per month, mainly restaurants that I cleaned every few months at night. For the most part, these businesses allowed me to limit the amount of time that I needed to dedicate each week to them so that I could stay focused on my studies.
I wish you the best in your ventures.
-Eric
Thank you for the advice, Eric.
Noah
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hey Noah that's a great question! I'd recommend reflecting on what kind of student you are and if your studies come easily to you - then starting a business on the side would definitely help apply your learnings. For me - I was able to do both because my schooling didn't require a tremendous number of hours and I found it super helpful to experiment with building a business while also balancing school. My advice would be to see how it's going for your first year or two, and then decide if you have time for the business. If you think that you're too busy or you will stress yourself out too much then definitely look into volunteer opportunities with student-run clubs. They don't take up as much time and you will learn many of the same skills as you would with building a business. Hope this helps!
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Yes. Starting a business, while a lot of people do it, is not easy. School, similarly, is not easy. So it would be impractical to believe doing them simultaneoulsy would be easy. That said, it is not impossible. Many of the happiest people were able to turn their academic interests into a career in the business in the course of study. Shucks...while working on your degree, you likely will be assigned work that will become a prerequesite for business succes.
Should you catch ligtning in a bottle with your business interests and over-extend your energies, I have historically seen folks lean into capitalism with the knowledge the degree route can take multiple paths to completion, but opportunity only knows so many times.
Good luck.
Should you catch ligtning in a bottle with your business interests and over-extend your energies, I have historically seen folks lean into capitalism with the knowledge the degree route can take multiple paths to completion, but opportunity only knows so many times.
Good luck.
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
I love your ambition. I know many people who go to school full-time and run their businesses. I actually know someone who has a double major and a minor and still runs a business. I do not have personal experience, but from the people that I know that do it, it is not easy. Manageable, but not easy. It's all about what you prioritize and how determined you are to make both work. If I were to do this, I would be getting my schoolwork done as soon as possible to allow time for my business. However, if you're more of the type to multi-task, that might be easier for you. It all depends on the business and how you manage your time. Many people work and go to school, so why couldn't you run a business? It's definitely possible.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Noah
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Starting a business while going to school is not easy but nothing worthwhile is every easy. It is, however, doable. Follow your dreams but start the business slow so you have time to get the most out of your collage experience. Good luck!
Karen
Karen
Updated
Adriana’s Answer
Going to school itself requires a major time commitment and so does creating a business! If your major is related to your business, it's likely some of your coursework will directly play into the challenges and victories of starting a business.
Time management skills, prioritization and organization will be key factors in making sure both of your ventures are successful.
Will it be easy? No, but in the end, it can be very rewarding to have a degree and a successful business!
Time management skills, prioritization and organization will be key factors in making sure both of your ventures are successful.
Will it be easy? No, but in the end, it can be very rewarding to have a degree and a successful business!