Juggle FT and search

February 09, 2025

by a searcher from University of Toronto in Toronto, ON, Canada

How do folks manage a demanding FT job and also search? Does your employer know? Any tips and tricks from people that have done this successfully? what kind of businesses are you looking for? How would potential investors perceive this?

Can't currently afford to not have a steady income stream so can't dive into search 100%..

Just looking to understand different thoughts from people that have experience in this situation or have been exposed to it in some way..

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Reply by a searcher
from University of Notre Dame in Portland, ME, USA

I am also looking "on the side" because my family depends on my income (and health insurance!), and I have not told my employer. I am fortunate that I work remotely, so don't have a boss looking over my shoulder. So when I have downtime and during what used to be commuting time (plus evenings & weekends), I can pull open my personal computer and work on ETA things. It's not ideal, but it's working so far. I have pretty generous vacation time too, so I can take days off as needed to do meetings or travel to conferences. I haven't approached any investors yet, so I don't know how they would perceive it.

Reply by a searcher
from University of Virginia in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Back in time of my first acquisition, I searched while working full-time in the office. I had enough free time to handle research. I recall I had to take half-days here and there to visit the business I ultimately chose. However, I would strongly recommend against letting your colleagues or managers learn about your search. Anyone who is not your ally might be tempted to say you are doing your research while on the clock. And the leadership may think that you are not looking to stay with the company long-term. I don't see any upside in letting the employer learn about your activities.

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