How I Built a Profitable Business While Working a 9-to-5

Written By Anthony Clark

The Exact Daily Schedule That Made It Possible

I knew I needed a structured routine to fit my business into an already packed schedule. Here’s what my day typically looked like:

For Early Birds:

  • 5:00 AM - 6:30 AM: Focused work on my business (content creation, client outreach, and system building)

  • 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Family time (breakfast, getting kids ready for the day)

  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: 9-to-5 job

  • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Family time, dinner, kids' activities

  • 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Business work (client meetings, marketing, strategy planning)

  • 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Wind-down, personal time, and sleep prep

For Night Owls:

  • 6:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Family time (breakfast, getting kids ready for the day)

  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM: 9-to-5 job

  • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Family time, dinner, kids' activities

  • 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Wind-down and relax

9:30 PM - 12:00 AM: Focused work on business (content creation, client outreach, and strategy planning)

Key Takeaway: The key wasn’t working more hours—it was working in focused blocks of time and eliminating distractions.

The One Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

I used to believe that I needed large chunks of time to make real progress. That belief kept me stuck. The shift that changed everything? Momentum beats intensity.

Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time to work on my business, I focused on small, consistent actions every day. 30 minutes of deep work in the morning or late at night was more valuable than waiting for a free weekend that never came.

The System That Balanced Family, Business, and Work (Without Sacrificing Sleep)

I created a simple system that kept my priorities clear:

  1. Sunday Planning: Every Sunday, I mapped out my most important tasks for work, family, and business.

  2. Time Blocking: I dedicated specific time slots for each area of my life.

  3. Automation & Delegation: I automated repetitive business tasks (like scheduling and invoicing) and delegated where possible.

  4. Non-Negotiables: Family time and sleep were non-negotiable. The business had to fit around them—not the other way around.

Mistakes That Slowed Me Down (So You Can Avoid Them)

I didn’t get everything right from the start. Here are the biggest mistakes I made—and how you can avoid them:

  • Mistake #1: Trying to Do Everything Myself → Solution: Focus on revenue-generating activities and automate/delegate the rest.

  • Mistake #2: Not Setting Clear Boundaries → Solution: Separate work and personal time to avoid burnout.

  • Mistake #3: Chasing Perfection Instead of Progress → Solution: Launch before you're “ready” and refine as you go.

Success Is Possible Without Quitting Your Job First

This journey proved that you don’t have to quit your job, sacrifice your family, or work 80-hour weeks to build a profitable business. With the right mindset, systems, and schedule, you can make real progress while maintaining balance.

One thing that made a huge difference for me was having a community of like-minded individuals to share wins, troubleshoot challenges, and stay accountable. If you’re serious about making progress, consider joining a group where you can connect with others on the same journey.

If you’re ready to take action, start by mapping out your ideal daily schedule and identifying your small, consistent actions for the next 30 days. That’s how real success happens—one step at a time.


Anthony Clark