Entering back into the slow lane

[MrYoshi]

So I run a leads generation/review site business and I started the company about 8 months ago and went full time in September. I've spoken with about 30 different marketing directors and none of them are interested in paying us up front for leads, but I know we will find a few at some point. When I first started this business I wanted to eventually work with another VC-backed company in order to leverage their systems. I did not plan on contacting their CEO until we had revenue coming in and our platform was ready, but he recently messaged me in regards to a job offer. I was a bit surprised and I had no intention of working a 9-5 again, but this seems like a good opportunity for the industry I'm in. They're also not a direct competitor to us and the sales director told me that I could work on this project on the side. However, I have a few problems that have been bothering me.

• My partner is a close friend who is in medical school full time and acts only as an advisor to the business. None of us have had success in building a business in the past, but he helped a ton before he started school in August.
• I often worry that I need to take a step back and figure out if this business aligns with my ultimate goal of having a passive income stream. I'd like to work on it, but the project is so massive when I actually think about all the research needed. Our industry has a ton of competitors and some who are worth $300 million to $2 billion.
• I read Unscripted and wanted to double check if I had enough cash to last me until the end of my apartment lease. I miscalculated nearly everything and I'll be way behind on my lease payment in a few months. I also did not listen to my partner who told me to go back home in order to invest more in the business.
• I often find myself wanting to just learn a few new skills like web design + development, but I feel pressured to work in the business only.

I feel lost now and don't really know how to approach things. I quit my other job before we had the right parameters set in place. My gut is telling me to put a hold on this and enter back into the slow lane until my lease expires in July. I'll build this company on the side or find something else that can make money and move back home to save.

The thought of having to work again bothers the **** out of me, but I'll do whatever it takes to make it. Has anyone found a good balance between working a slow lane job and having a business on the side?

 

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[MrYoshi]

So I spoke to my partner and holy **** that was all I needed. I had a ton of things on my mind and I let it all out. We came to the conclusion that if we're going to pursue this then we have to be patient because this is a large project. I got to the next round in the job interview process, but I'm going to let both co-founders know that we have a side project that is in the same space as them. I'm going to be insanely transparent with both of them so there are no surprises afterward. The goal is then to optimize my schedule around working a 9-5 and move back home to pursue this thing full time once my lease ends. Hopefully, we can make some money while I work on the side, but we are talking in more detail later. To anyone that is not satisfied with their current situation, I highly recommend sitting down with partners and letting them know what you like and don't like about the current approach to business. For now, I'll plan out a backup plan just in case I don't get this job and will have to hustle on the side to pay rent.

 

[Gigi Rodgers]

I skimmed over this, but dropping my two cents in.
1 - the business wasn't doing as well as you hoped. Sounds like you need to pivot the idea if these CEOs aren't interested. Good to know.
2 - you're going back into the slow lane to get your self financially stable. No shame in that.
3 - you're communicating with your partners and not being shy about where you are in your life right now - financially and emotionally. You're ahead of the curve.

So all in all, good job. Good adulting.