Ask HN: How to combine work, entrepreneurship and having a life

2 Nadssat 3 7/12/2025, 8:03:24 AM

Hi HN, I'm an electronics engineer and I work in that field, and I also have a side project and a life, haha. I'd like to know how you manage to achieve balance. It seems really difficult and feels like I'm constantly juggling. I'm not as involved with my family, friends, girlfriend as I'd like... I feel like the project isn't progressing as I'd like after three years. Any advice?

Comments (3)

sumanthvepa · 18h ago

I struggled with it too, but one solution that works for me is blocking time for specific things. For example I will block 4hrs in the early morning to work on my project 5 days a week. I keep friday evening and Saturdays free for family and Sunday for chores.

You have to accept that it is not possible to be as fast as someone working full time on the same project. But you can get creative about how to build things more efficiently.

Nadssat · 12h ago

Thanks for the advice! So the secret is to be organized, structured, and patient! I think that's the hardest part; things always come up that need addressing. What have you been working on? If I may ask...

sumanthvepa · 2h ago

I've been working full time for myself for the last 13 years. Multiple projects clients etc. It becomes easier in terms of work pressure when you can afford to go full time on your project. (But of course, you have be careful with money)

Currently, I'm working on open-sourcing one of the devtools we built internally. Think of it as a self-hosted version of Vercel.