Hi friends, I’m Jomell Thomas, author of The Hundred-Hour Work Week: A Guide to Being Your Most Productive At Your Job While Pursuing Your Business Venture. Today, I want to share with you how you can grow a business while still keeping your full-time job. I know this path well because I’ve lived it. My story is about starting from nothing, struggling with self-doubt and finding strength through discipline, loss and persistence. If you’re someone trying to balance work and dreams, this blog is for you.
You can also grab a copy of my book on Amazon here: The Hundred-Hour Work Week
Why You Don’t Have to Quit Your Job to Be an Entrepreneur
So many people think they need to quit their jobs before starting a business. I used to believe the same thing. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to give up your job to chase your dream. What you need is a mindset shift. You can build your dream step by step, even if you work a 9-to-5. That’s why I wrote this book—to guide people who are looking for entrepreneur books without quitting your job.
Working full time gave me structure. While I worked on my side project, my employment gave me stability, skills and money. I viewed it as a source of progress rather than a burden.
My Story: From Struggle to Growth
I wasn’t born confident or rich. I began with very little money, uncertainty and anxiety. Although my mother put a lot of effort into providing for us, I was frequently self-conscious and insecure. When I lost my mother and then my best buddy Nick, things became much more difficult. I was forced into the lowest points of my life by those moments. However, I also learned from them that I couldn’t wait for ideal circumstances. I had to take action.
I started my journey in sales, even when I had no home and was living in my car. Every day, I faced rejection, fear and uncertainty. But through persistence, I discovered discipline, resilience and confidence. These lessons became the backbone of my book. That’s why The Hundred-Hour Work Week is not just another business book. It’s one of those rare books about starting from nothing—because that’s exactly what I did.
Lessons for People Balancing Jobs and Dreams
You may be a full-time employee with aspirations of launching your own business if you are reading this. I would like you to know that it is feasible. Here are some lessons I share in my book:
1. Use Your Job as a Training Ground
Your job is not your enemy. Think of it as your classroom. It teaches you structure, discipline and responsibility. These skills will help you when building your business. That’s why I consider my book one of the best books for people working full time—it shows you how to turn your job into a foundation instead of a chain.
2. Learn to Love the Process
Too many people focus only on the outcome. They want quick success, fast money, or instant recognition. But real growth comes from loving the process. When you learn to enjoy the daily work—waking up early, planning your day, staying disciplined—you create habits that last. Success is a byproduct of consistency.
3. Discipline Is Freedom
Many people see discipline as restriction, but I see it as freedom. When you’re disciplined with your time, you gain control over your day. You can run your company, work full-time and still make time for your family and your health. This lesson is especially important for readers searching for life coaching for working professionals.
4. Turn Struggles into Strength
Struggles are teachers. When I faced rejection in sales, I could have quit. But instead, I treated every “no” as feedback. That mindset built my resilience. If you’re broke or facing setbacks, remember: it’s not the end. This is why my book speaks to people looking for books about building a business while broke.
5. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Your circle matters. Select friends who encourage you to advance rather than those who impede your progress. I learned the value of confidence from my friend Nick. His lesson stuck with me even after I lost him: have faith in yourself, even when things don’t seem like it.
The Power of Coaching and Guidance
One thing I’ve learned is that no one succeeds alone. We all need guidance, advice and accountability. My book is not just about my story—it’s also a form of business coaching for side hustlers. I share practical steps, exercises and mindset shifts that can help you balance your job and your business.
If you’re an aspiring business owner, think of it as coaching for aspiring entrepreneurs. I walk you through how to start, how to deal with fear and how to stay consistent even when you feel tired.
And if you’re struggling with belief, this book doubles as entrepreneur mindset coaching. I help you train your mind to stay focused, resilient and positive.
Why I Wrote The Hundred-Hour Work Week
I wrote this book because I wanted to show that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. You don’t need perfect timing or endless resources. What you need is courage, discipline and persistence.
This is more than just one of those books for side hustlers—it’s a story of resilience, faith and growth. It’s for the dreamer working late nights. It’s for the parent balancing work and kids. It’s for the professional who feels stuck but still believes there’s more out there.
Last Words: Your Adventure Begins Now
If you’re ready to grow your business while keeping your job, I invite you to join me on this journey. Read my story. Learn from my struggles. Apply the lessons I share in The Hundred-Hour Work Week.
You don’t have to quit your job. You don’t have to wait for the right moment. You just have to start.
Grab your copy today: The Hundred-Hour Work Week
Your future business, your growth and your dreams are waiting. Let’s get to work.