N
The Global Insight

Can you start a business while being employed?

Author

James Williams

Updated on April 04, 2026

There is absolutely nothing stopping you from starting your own business on the side of being in employment – in fact, there are many solo-entrepreneurs and sole traders that do this as a fall-back option against the risks of them losing their paid job should their employer decide to wind up the business or relocate it …

Can you start your own business while working full time?

Like many Americans, you may dream of being your own boss. But if you’re working full-time, starting a business could ethically be problematic. Starting a small business as a full-time employee is legal, unless your employment contract says otherwise.

What is it called when you start a new business?

Someone who is starting a new business is called an entrepreneur. Once the business is established, the entrepreneur may decide to raise more money, or capital, by selling shares to the public through an initial public offering (IPO), which is the company’s first sale of stock.

How can I start a business while working?

Here are my 10 steps to starting your own business while you keep your full-time job.

  1. Ask yourself how bad you want it.
  2. Inventory your skills, abilities, and weaknesses.
  3. Validate your business idea.
  4. Write down your competitive advantage.
  5. Set detailed, measurable, and realistic goals.

Can you start a business while working a full time job?

The big problem for many of us is that working a full-time job makes it too exhausting to even consider trying to find an alternative outlet. Luckily, there are tons of ways to start businesses and make money on the side while still leading a well-rounded, meaningful life.

What’s the best way to start a new job?

Identify potential mentors within your organization and get to know them. Consider senior staff as well as strong performers in positions at your level and/or one level above you. While you should recognize that these people are likely quite busy, asking to grab a coffee or simply taking a walk together can be a great start.

What to do if you want to start your own business?

If you aren’t ready to start up your own website or just want to test out the waters, you should look at signing up to platforms such as The Muse or Coach Me where others are looking for people like you to mentor them.

Is it worth it to start multiple businesses?

Starting multiple businesses guarantees that life will never be boring. Let’s face it. Entrepreneurship is a rush. Whereas most people get into business to make a living, I find that a life worth living includes starting businesses. After having started a few, I want to start more.