How I Built My Side Hustle Without Burning Out (Even While Working a 9-5)

Apr 15

Hi amiga 👋🏽

I’m so grateful you’re here, and I just want to start by saying THANK YOU for reading this. This blog is something I’ve been wanting to create for a while. I’ve always loved writing, and while video content is powerful (and fun… sometimes), writing allows me to connect more deeply, slow down, and share in a way that feels real and thoughtful.

So if you’re a fellow Latina entrepreneur trying to grow your business online without the burnout, while also juggling a full-time job, family life, or maybe even all of the above—this blog is for you.

Let’s dive into something super personal today: how I built my side hustle, stayed consistent, and protected my peace—all while working a 9-5.

Why I Didn't Quit My 9-5—and Why That's Okay

You’ve probably seen it: the “I quit my job to build my dream business” stories. They’re everywhere. And while I think that’s amazing for those who feel ready to take that leap, that’s not my story. At least not yet.

I still have a full-time job. And I actually like it.

I work remotely in digital marketing, and it’s taught me so much. I’ve gained new skills, worked on big campaigns, and learned how to manage teams and deadlines—all of which help me grow my own business. The flexibility is a huge bonus, too. Not having to commute saves me so much time (if you know LA traffic… you know 😅), and I’ve learned how to be super intentional with the time I do have.

That’s what I want to share with you today—how to use your current season to fuel your future vision.

💻 What My Side Hustle Looks Like Today

My side hustle is all about digital marketing—specifically helping Latina entrepreneurs use Facebook and Instagram ads to grow their audience, generate leads, and scale their businesses without having to post all the time.

I’ve been doing this for over 6 years now. I’ve worked with e-commerce brands, local businesses, and service providers—managing budgets from $500/month to over $500,000/month. But my favorite thing? Helping up-and-coming entrepreneurs build systems that work for them.

And the truth is: I didn’t get here overnight.

What I Tried (That Didn’t Work)

Let me be honest. When I first started, I tried doing everything:

Social media management
Email marketing
Influencer campaigns
Branding
Course launches
...and it was exhausting.

I was chasing so many ideas, I wasn’t getting results in any of them. I felt like I was constantly “busy” but not actually building anything long-term. It wasn’t until I got laser-focused on paid ads that I started seeing real traction.

Focusing on one thing allowed me to go deeper, learn faster, and position myself as an expert in my niche. That clarity brought in more clients, more confidence, and more time back in my schedule.

How I Make It Work (Without Burning Out)

Balancing a 9-5 and a business is no joke. But I’ve found a rhythm that works for me—and it’s one I want to share with you today. Here are the key pillars that help me grow my business without losing my mind:

1. I Time Block Like a Boss

Every week, I look at my Google Calendar and ask:

What’s my big needle-moving project this week?
When am I most energized?
Where do I have pockets of time?

Then I time-block. I typically choose one day a week (usually a Saturday or Sunday) for deep work—like building client reports, writing content, or optimizing ad campaigns. That 3–4 hour block helps me move the needle so I don’t feel guilty when the weekday gets hectic.

I also block out workouts, walks, and time to rest. Your calendar should reflect your priorities—not just your to-dos.

2. I Protect My Energy, Not Just My Time

This one took me a while to learn: burnout isn’t just about time—it’s about energy.

Yes, I might technically have time to work on my side hustle after work, but if I’m mentally drained or emotionally fried, forcing it only leads to resentment.

I started asking myself better questions:

What time of day do I feel most creative?
What drains me, and what restores me?
Can I work with my energy instead of fighting it?

Once I started respecting my energy patterns, everything changed. My work became more focused. I had more clarity. I even started enjoying the process again.

3. I Lead With My Values

This is everything.

I don’t want a business that takes me away from my family, my health, or my joy. My values are my foundation—and I build around them.

For me, that looks like:

Prioritizing my health (daily walks, gym time, nourishing meals)
Staying connected with my partner and family
Creating boundaries around my work hours
Saying no to projects that feel out of alignment

When you lead with your values, decision-making becomes easier. You stop chasing every shiny idea, and start building something that’s truly yours.

4. I Stay Visible—Without Being Online 24/7

I’ve gotten clients from:

Hosting free webinars
Speaking at events
Posting when I want to, not every day
Doing great work that leads to referrals

I believe in smart, strategic marketing—not burnout marketing. You don’t need to post every day to grow. You need a clear message, a solid offer, and the right systems (like paid ads or email marketing) to get in front of the right people.

That’s exactly what I teach inside my upcoming course, Marketing Without Burnout Academy—and you can join the waitlist here.

📩 Your Freebies: Get Consistent Leads & Master $5 Ads!

One of the biggest hurdles I see fellow entrepreneurs face is consistently attracting new leads without feeling like they're constantly hustling. And let's be honest, getting started with paid ads can feel overwhelming. That's why I wanted to give you two powerful resources to help you on your journey:

👉🏽 Grab Your Consistent Leads Checklist

This checklist will walk you through the essential steps to ensure you're setting up systems that bring in a steady stream of potential clients, without the constant pressure of chasing every single lead.

👉🏽 Download The Beginner’s Guide to $5 Ads That Actually Work

Ready to dip your toes into the world of paid advertising without breaking the bank? This guide will show you how to strategically utilize even small budgets, like just $5 a day, to reach your ideal audience and see real results. It’s perfect for getting started and understanding the fundamentals without the overwhelm.

These free resources are designed to work hand-in-hand, helping you build a foundation for consistent growth without sacrificing your precious time and energy. Grab them – they're free, and they can truly be game-changers for your business!

You're Invited: Join the Waitlist!

If you're nodding along and want more ease and consistent leads in your business...

Then you'll love what's coming next!

Marketing Without Burnout Academy launches June 16, 2025.

It's for entrepreneurs who are tired of the constant content grind and want to build a scalable, aligned marketing system with paid ads, strategic email marketing, and intentional content – a system that consistently brings in those valuable leads.

👉🏽 Click here to join the waitlist!

You deserve to grow your business with peace, purpose, and joy – and with a steady flow of eager clients! I'm here to help you make that happen.

Con cariño,

Reyna

Reyna Marrufo