Starting a Side Business While Honoring Your Day Job

Many successful businesses begin as side projects. A teacher starts tutoring on weekends. An accountant does bookkeeping for a few small clients in the evenings. A nurse sells handmade goods online. Building something on the side can be a wise, lower-risk way to test an idea while keeping a steady income.

It also raises important questions of integrity. How do you honor your employer, your family and your health while building something new?

Working from the heart

Paul wrote to people working for others: "Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Ephesians 6:6, KJV). Eyeservice describes working hard only when someone is watching. Paul calls believers to work sincerely, as if serving Christ himself, whether or not anyone notices.

That principle is especially important when you have a side business. It can be tempting to give your day job less than your best while your heart is elsewhere. Integrity means continuing to work wholeheartedly for your employer, just as Colossians 3:23 describes.

Check your agreements first

Before starting a side business, carefully read your employment agreement and company policies. Look for terms about:

• Outside employment or moonlighting. Some employers require approval for side work.
• Conflicts of interest. Working in the same industry or with the same customers may not be allowed.
• Intellectual property. Some agreements give your employer rights to things you create, even outside work hours.
• Non-compete or non-solicitation terms, which may limit who you can serve or hire.
• Confidential information, which must never be used for your side business.

If anything is unclear, ask your employer or consult an employment attorney. It is far better to clarify now than to face a dispute later.

Keep the two worlds separate

Integrity requires clear boundaries between your job and your side business:

• Do not work on your side business during paid work hours, including answering side-business emails.
• Do not use your employer's equipment, software, supplies or accounts.
• Do not use confidential information, client lists or contacts from your job.
• Do not solicit coworkers or customers in violation of your agreements.

Even small crossings of these lines can damage trust and your witness.

Be open where appropriate

In many cases, telling your employer about a side business is wise, especially if your agreement requires it or if there could be any perception of conflict. Openness builds trust and avoids misunderstandings.

Give full effort at your day job

Your employer is paying for your time, energy and skills during work hours. A side business should not leave you so exhausted that your work suffers. Arrive rested, stay focused and keep your commitments.

Protect your family and rest

A side business can easily consume every evening and weekend. Before you start, talk with your spouse or family about expectations. Decide how many hours you will invest each week and which times are protected for rest, worship and relationships. A weekly day of rest is still important, as described in a practical Sabbath for business owners.

Handle money and taxes responsibly

Side business income typically needs to be reported for taxes. Keep separate records, consider a separate bank account and set aside money for taxes from each payment. A CPA can explain what applies to you.

Plan the transition thoughtfully

If your side business grows and you hope to make it your main work, plan the transition carefully. Count the cost, build a financial cushion and give your employer proper notice when the time comes. The guidance in starting a business as a Christian and leaving a job well can help.

A side business integrity checklist

Before launching, and every few months after, run through this list:

1. I have read my employment agreement and company policies.
2. I have clarified anything uncertain with my employer or an attorney.
3. I never work on my side business during paid work time.
4. I do not use my employer's equipment, information or contacts.
5. I am giving full effort and attention to my day job.
6. My family and I agree on how much time the side business takes.
7. I protect a weekly day of rest.
8. I keep separate records and set aside money for taxes.
9. I have prayed about this venture and sought wise counsel.
10. I would be comfortable if my employer saw exactly how I run my side business.

If you can honestly check every item, you are building on a foundation of integrity. That foundation will serve you well, whether the side business stays small or grows into something more.