Are there many people that run their own business in their spare time?

[NickK]

Just wanted to see if there are people that run their own business on the side of their main 'pay the mortgage' work (and perhaps family too).

A friend's dad at school, many moons ago, used to make flow monitor/testers for hospital equipment for example.

I understand it's considerable additional work but do you do it for additional money or because you find it's interesting (field or the experience of running the business)?

Have you found it detrimental when changing main jobs? Or do you find employers see this as a bonus?

In my next job, I'm considering starting an internet based business on the side.

 

[Morba]

why not just get a job that pays enough for the normal hours?

 

[Russinating]

In my next job, I'm considering starting an internet based business on the side.

Vague much?

My main job is my own business, if that counts.

 

[Van Hellseek]

Vague much?

Just what I was going to say. Reminds me of the simpsons episode, where homer tries this.

CompuGlobalHyperMegaNet

 

[NickK]

Just what I was going to say. Reminds me of the simpsons episode, where homer tries this.

The main job does provide enough (when I have one!) but why not run one on the side?

 

[Russinating]

The main job does provide enough (when I have one!) but why not run one on the side?

No reason, it's just usually a good plan to have an idea that's a bit better/more specific than an "internet based business" .

 

[NickK]

No reason, it's just usually a good plan to have an idea that's a bit better/more specific than an "internet based business" .

That's a given, I was looking for if people did it out of the fun/reward of running their own business (although it may not pay their wage initially) or if they did it purely to add to their income even if their current income was enough.

 

[Bes]

Just wanted to see if there are people that run their own business on the side of their main 'pay the mortgage' work (and perhaps family too).

A friend's dad at school, many moons ago, used to make flow monitor/testers for hospital equipment for example.

I understand it's considerable additional work but do you do it for additional money or because you find it's interesting (field or the experience of running the business)?

Have you found it detrimental when changing main jobs? Or do you find employers see this as a bonus?

In my next job, I'm considering starting an internet based business on the side.

You would not believe how much hard work it is, and can put quite a strain on your relationships too (i.e. missing a lot of social events, GF not liking you working so much, etc etc). You really have to put the hours in....

I do it because I want to be self employed one day, so am testing the water so- to- speak. I do love what I have created though.

 

[J.B]

The tax paper work is a mission on its own!

 

[Bes]

OP: What are you thinking of doing, specifically?

 

[PhillyDee]

You would not believe how much hard work it is, and can put quite a strain on your relationships too (i.e. missing a lot of social events, GF not liking you working so much, etc etc). You really have to put the hours in....

I do it because I want to be self employed one day, so am testing the water so- to- speak. I do love what I have created though.

Agreed. I have been selling things for the last month, I have my own Limited Company, and it is a lot of work. Especially the books. I am still trying to find an easy way to do them. At the moment I am still using spreadsheets. I would rather have a software package, but they are all way too complicated!

 

[NickK]

OP: What are you thinking of doing, specifically?

B2B: Product Management consultancy and market analysis. Aligns with the day job.

B2C: iPhone apps along with some possible hardware for various ideas.