The Case for a “Both and” Life: Full-Time Career + Side Business

During the early days of COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people got a wake-up call they didn’t ask for. Jobs disappeared. Income dried up. Entire industries paused overnight. For those without a backup plan, it was scary.

I was fortunate. I work for an organization that genuinely cares about its people, and we found ways to get creative when hockey came to a halt. But let’s be honest… it was still unsettling. No commissions. No bonuses. A lot of uncertainty. And a lot of extra time.

That extra time became a turning point.

Like many people, I decided to build something. I went all in on getting certified through This Naked Mind Institute to help people reduce or remove alcohol from their lives. Six months of weekly classes, coursework, and assessments later, I launched my coaching practice.

Because I have a business background, I knew how to start, test, and generate revenue. But more importantly, I cared deeply about the work. Within five months, I recouped my initial investment.

That LLC turns five this May. It has been profitable every single year.

And it didn’t stop there. I followed what felt right, not some perfectly mapped-out plan. Coaching expanded into professional development. Then came a podcast. Then a conference. Then a book. Step by step. No grand strategy. Just openness, creativity, and a willingness to ask for help from people who knew more than I did.

Let’s talk about the polarizing part.

There’s a strong opinion out there that you should either focus 100% on your full-time job or go all in on entrepreneurship. But the data tells a different story.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, millions of Americans hold multiple jobs, and that number has remained steady, even increasing during uncertain economic periods. A Bankrate survey found that nearly 40% of Americans have a side hustle, with many using it to build financial security, not just extra spending money. Research from Harvard Business Review suggests that side projects can actually improve performance in a primary job by increasing creativity, energy, and skill diversification.

This isn’t fringe behavior anymore. It’s smart risk management and personal growth.

“How do you balance it all?” is the question I get all the time.

First, time.

We all get the same 24 hours. I sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, and I love a good nap when I can get one. I also quit drinking. That decision alone gave me back roughly 800 hours a year.

I didn’t find time. I reclaimed it. And then I chose how to use it.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Color-coded digital calendar

• Early mornings, evenings, and weekends

• Sundays ideally off, still working on it

• A non-traditional work schedule in sports that allows flexibility

• A business that is 95% virtual, eliminating commute time

• Investing in help: marketing, podcast production, admin, publishing, social

Does this impact my full-time job?

No.

Actually, I’d argue the opposite.

When I’m busier, I get more done. I’m decisive, focused, energized, and just as passionate about pro hockey today as I was 11.5 years ago when I started.

Entrepreneurship has made me better at my job. I think more strategically, manage my time better, take better care of myself, and bring a broader perspective to leadership.

I operate with high integrity. I don’t cut corners. I’ve had open conversations with leadership to ensure alignment and transparency.

Also, let’s be real. In sports and entertainment, there is no such thing as a day job. It’s an all-the-time job. And I show up fully for it.

This isn’t about hustle culture or grinding yourself into the ground.

It’s about building a life that feels aligned.

For me, that looks like leading in professional hockey, growing a business that helps people change their lives, and being present as a wife, mom, friend, and daughter.

Do I do it perfectly? No. Not even close. But I’m doing it. And that’s the point. This isn’t about getting it right every single day or chasing some unrealistic version of balance. It’s about building a life that actually feels aligned with who you are and what you care about. 

The world has changed, and the idea that one job equals security is outdated. Having a side business isn’t a distraction, it’s a creative outlet, a financial safety net, and for many, a path to something bigger. You don’t have to choose one identity. You can build both. And if the past few years taught us anything, it’s this. 

Having options isn’t just nice, it’s necessary.