Balancing Entrepreneurship While Studying Tech
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats. I manage appointments, keep clients happy, handle finances, and make sure the shop runs smoothly. It’s a full-time job on its own. So why would I add the challenge of studying technology on top of that?
For me, it comes down to growth and the drive to build something beyond the chair. I didn’t want to wait until the “perfect time” to learn new skills, because in my experience, there’s no perfect time. Balancing entrepreneurship while studying tech hasn’t been easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding moves I’ve made.
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Running a Business Means Wearing Many Hats
As the owner of Eric’s Barber Studio, every day is filled with moving parts: scheduling, walk-ins, managing supplies, keeping the space ready, and making sure each client gets the experience they expect.
Being a business owner means there’s no one else to pass responsibility to. When something breaks, when scheduling is tight, when finances fluctuate — you deal with it directly. That pressure can feel heavy, but it also builds resilience and problem-solving skills that translate well into the tech world.
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Why I Chose to Study Tech While Still Running a Business
Some people have asked me why I didn’t just wait until later to start studying. The answer is simple: there’s never a “perfect time.”
Technology has always interested me, but recently I realized it’s not just curiosity — it’s a career path I want to build. I chose Western Governors University (WGU) because its flexible, competency-based structure allows me to fit school into the cracks of my day.
Studying while running a business gives me stability in the present while I work toward the future. It’s challenging, but it also feels like investing in myself every time I open a textbook or complete a lab.
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Systems That Keep Me From Burning Out
Balancing the two worlds isn’t about doing everything at once — it’s about building systems that make it possible. Here are a few that help me:
• Time blocking: I treat study sessions like client appointments. They go on the calendar, and I protect them.
• Daily small wins: Instead of cramming, I chip away a little every day — 15 — 30 minutes consistently beats random all-nighters.
• Leverage flexibility: WGU’s model lets me move faster on subjects I already know and spend more time where I need it.
• Downtime on purpose: Some evenings I step away completely to recharge. Without that, burnout comes quick.
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Transferable Skills Between Entrepreneurship and Tech
One thing I’ve realized: barbering and technology aren’t as different as they seem.
• Client communication → helps me explain technical concepts simply.
• Consistency and discipline → the same habits that keep my clients coming back keep me on track in school.
• Problem-solving under pressure → fixing issues at the studio has trained me to stay calm and think clearly — valuable when working through labs or troubleshooting.
Entrepreneurship sharpened my independence and accountability, which are the same qualities I lean on when studying tech.
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Looking Forward
Balancing entrepreneurship and studying tech isn’t about having endless energy — it’s about setting priorities, creating systems, and giving yourself permission to grow even when life is busy. Some days it feels overwhelming, but those small daily wins add up.
My barbershop keeps me grounded, while my studies keep me moving forward. Together, they remind me that you don’t have to choose between maintaining what you’ve built and reaching for something new ; you can do both, as long as you’re willing to put in the work.
If you’re an entrepreneur or career-changer learning tech, I’d love to hear how you balance it.
