Over 5 million people are holding down a day job and building a business at nights and weekends.
Motivated by fear of being made redundant, the need for extra cash or driven by a creative idea, millions of 5 to 9’ers are now operating across the UK in a range of sectors, from fashion to farming, and magic to mobile applications.
The news stems from the publication of a new book, Working 5 to 9 – how to start a successful business in your spare time, which examines the world of part-time entrepreneurs.
The book is written by Emma Jones, founder of home business website Enterprise Nation (www.enterprisenation.com) and author of Spare Room Start Up: How to start a business from home.
‘It was in late 2008 when I spotted a new angle to the businesses we were profiling on Enterprise Nation,’ Jones said. ‘People were still identifying gaps in the market or turning a passion, hobby or skill into a way of making a living, yet they were doing so at the end of their normal working day.’
Jones said critically not all 5 to 9’ers are in a hurry to give up the day job. Of the 60 entrepreneurs profiled in her book, 51% confirmed they are planning to go full-time self-employed in the next 12 months, leaving 49% who are not.
‘Starting a business whilst still in employment is the best way to start,’ she added. ‘It’s low cost and low risk and you give yourself time to build confidence and the all-important cash-flow.’
Gwen Howell, Jones said, is a good example of this double life. By day she dons lipstick and heels as an estate agent, then heads home, pulls on her wellies and sets to work as a rare breed pig farmer.
Students, parents and semi-retirees are also embracing the 5-9 tactic. John Randall studies in normal work hours before turning his attention to his growing bouncy castle company in the evenings, while mum Victoria Dixon runs her picture business by taking advantage of her kids daytime naps and school hours.
Working 5 to 9 – how to start a successful business in your spare time, features profiles of sixty 5-9ers who all share the story of how they got started and offer tips on topics ranging from time management to financial planning. The book also suggests 50 ideas for businesses you can start on the side, alongside advice on sales, marketing, technology and how to maintain a social life while working day, and night.
Author Emma started her first business aged 27 by working 5 to 9 herself, and successfully sold it within two years of trading. She launched Enterprise Nation in January 2006.
>> Buy the book on Amazon
Tags: 5-9 ers, Emma Jones, entrepreneur, Family Finance Tips, tabitha cole
This post has been commented 3 times
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May 21st, 2010 at 11:27 amTweets that mention The rise of the ‘5-9 ers’ « FMWF -- Topsy.com says:
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Melanie Shearn, Harriman House. Harriman House said: Rise of the ‘5-9 ers’, front page story, Financial Mail Women's Forum http://www.fmwf.com/media-type/news/2010/05/the-rise-of-the-5-9ers/ [...]
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May 21st, 2010 at 4:40 pmdee blick says:
Emma is an inspirational woman who really walks the walk, working from home with a very successful business. Her second book 5-9 is a fantastic starting point for any business owner either thinking about starting a business whilst holding down the day job or already realising their vision, working in the evening. Her first book Spare Room Start Up is one I recommend to all businesses starting out. Also her website http://www.enterprisenation.com is stocked with advice,tips and articles plus great forums for home based businesses.
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June 25th, 2010 at 9:42 amDee’s marketing blog: the rise of the Twilight Entrepreneur « FMWF says:
[...] the U.K.’s largest website for home-based businesses. Thousands of ‘5 – 9ers’ (the neat little term coined by Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, to cover those people worki…), were interviewed. 50% said that their business was growing and over 60% said that their goal [...]