Have you ever wondered how someone with a demanding career manages to juggle a successful side hustle, like running a YouTube channel, without burning out? The balancing act between work, personal life, and creative endeavors can seem overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to build something from the ground up.
That was me in 2022: a full-time legal executive overseeing a busy law firm while embarking on a new YouTube journey. My days were packed with client meetings, court dates, and endless paperwork. And yet, somehow, I managed to squeeze content creation into my packed schedule. How did I do it? What strategies made it possible to work a demanding 9-5 and still create over 80 long-form YouTube videos?
In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact strategies I use to make time for content creation, despite my busy job. Whether you’re thinking about starting a YouTube channel or pursuing any side hustle, these actionable, real-life tips will help you make the most of your time.
1. The “Early Bird” Strategy
I’ve always been a night owl. But when I started my YouTube journey, I realized that I had to switch my mindset. Waking up early, even just an hour earlier, changed the game for me. I adopted this strategy from The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, where he advocates for waking up early to maximize productivity.
Before, I was rushing to work by 8 AM, leaving no time to focus on anything other than the basics of daily survival. But by waking up just one hour earlier, I had time to focus on my health, do light brainstorming, and work on my YouTube channel before the day truly began. This adjustment didn’t just give me more time; it increased my energy, too. Waking up early doesn’t mean just being up—it’s about setting an intention for the day, ensuring I’m both physically and mentally prepared to take on whatever comes my way.
2. Maximizing My Lunch Hour
During one particularly busy day at work, I realized I was wasting time scrolling aimlessly on my phone during lunch. That’s when the idea hit me—why not use that time to work on my YouTube channel? So, I started dedicating my lunch hour (or however long I had) to my content creation process.
Whether it’s editing videos, brainstorming new video ideas, or working on thumbnails, this “power hour” became a game-changer. And yes, I still ate my lunch at my desk, but now, I was using the time more efficiently. Even if I only had 30 minutes, that was still more productive than trying to work on content after a long day at the office when my energy was running low.
3. Weekender Strategy
The biggest shift for me came when I embraced my weekends for content creation. At first, the thought of working on YouTube videos on a Saturday and Sunday felt daunting. I’ve always seen weekends as my time to unwind or go on trips. But, over time, I realized that the only way I was going to consistently produce high-quality videos without burning out was to dedicate specific weekends to filming.
I set aside one weekend each month to block off full days for filming. With scripts already pre-written, I could film multiple videos back-to-back. This system didn’t eliminate my entire weekend but allowed me to batch content creation without sacrificing all of my downtime. The process is intense—filming for two full days can be exhausting—but it’s been incredibly effective in helping me stay ahead of my content schedule.
4. Microtasking for Maximum Efficiency
When you’re juggling a full-time job and a side hustle, the to-do list can become overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like there’s no end in sight. That’s where microtasking comes in. Rather than trying to do everything at once, I break my content creation process into smaller, manageable tasks.
I don’t write, film, edit, and upload a video all in one go. Instead, I separate these tasks into distinct sessions. One day is for scripting, another for filming, and then a separate session for editing. This method prevents burnout and ensures that every task gets the attention it deserves. Plus, I don’t feel pressured to finish everything in one sitting, which has helped me become more patient and consistent.
5. The Digital Detox
In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in the endless stream of notifications, emails, and social media. For someone with a full-time job, too much screen time can be especially draining. That’s why I started incorporating regular digital detoxes into my routine. I limit my screen time and even take days off from media when I can.
It’s not just about stepping away from work—it’s about giving your mind space to breathe. Disconnecting from digital noise has helped me regain clarity and focus, making me more productive when I do sit down at my desk. By taking a step back from all the chaos, I’m able to approach both my job and side hustle with a fresh perspective.
Conclusion: Productivity Through Intentional Time Management
Finding time to create content while working a full-time job isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. By embracing intentional strategies like waking up early, making the most of lunch breaks, and scheduling specific weekends for filming, I’ve been able to build a successful YouTube channel. Microtasking and digital detoxing have further helped me maintain productivity while also staying sane.
If you’re trying to balance a full-time job with a side hustle, the key is to make your passion an intentional part of your routine. It’s not about squeezing in content creation whenever you can—it’s about setting aside dedicated time and committing to it. Remember, the path to success isn’t about finding time; it’s about making time.