How to Build a SaaS Business While Working Full-Time in Tech

Balancing a demanding full-time tech career with building a SaaS business might feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark. It’s hard, but not impossible. 

With the right strategies, you can make meaningful progress without burning out. Many of my clients have done it—and so can you.

In fact, several of my clients have successfully launched their SaaS businesses while holding high-pressure executive roles in tech. 

The secret? They carved out just five hours per week and stuck to it consistently. If you’ve been dreaming about starting your business but wondering how to fit it into your already-packed schedule, this guide is for you.

Let me share actionable strategies to help you make time, stay focused, and move closer to your dream business every single week.

1: Master Your Time by Setting Clear Priorities

The biggest challenge most aspiring entrepreneurs face is not finding time—it’s prioritizing it. 

When you’re already juggling work, family, and personal commitments, adding a business to the mix might feel overwhelming. 

But here’s the good news: you don’t need 40 hours a week to make progress. You just need five.

I’ve seen this work for my clients time and again. They break their time into small, focused chunks and dedicate it to high-impact tasks.

Here’s how you can start:

• Create a Dedicated Weekly Slot: Block out five hours in your calendar. This could be an hour every weekday or a couple of focused weekend sessions. Treat this time as sacred—just as you would for an important meeting at work.
• Use the 80/20 Rule: Focus 80% of your efforts on the 20% of tasks that truly matter. For a SaaS startup, this might mean refining your idea, validating it, and building connections rather than obsessing over a perfect logo or website.
• Automate and Delegate: Take a close look at your non-essential commitments. Could you delegate household chores or automate repetitive tasks? Freeing up even a small amount of time can make a big difference.

Remember, consistency beats intensity. An hour of focused work every day will always outpace sporadic bursts of inspiration.

2: Validate Your Idea Before You Build Anything

Many first-time founders make the mistake of jumping straight into product development without validating their idea. 

The result? They spend months building something nobody wants. Don’t fall into this trap.

The most important thing you can do at the start of your entrepreneurial journey is to ensure there’s a real demand for your solution. This doesn’t require coding skills or a massive time commitment—just the willingness to listen to your potential customers.

One of my clients, Julia, struggled with this initially. She kept changing her niche, offer, and even her target customers because she lacked clarity. But once she got back to her “why” and started talking to potential users, everything clicked. She discovered what her audience truly needed and built her business around those insights.

Here’s how you can validate your idea effectively:

• Talk to Your Target Audience: Set up interviews with people who fit your ideal customer profile. Ask about their pain points, daily challenges, and the solutions they’re already using. My free guide, How to Conduct Effective Customer Interviews to Validate Your Idea, walks you through this process step-by-step.
• Start Small: Instead of building a full product, create a prototype, landing page, or mock-up to test the waters. This helps you gauge interest and gather feedback without a significant investment of time or resources.
• Iterate Quickly: Use the feedback you receive to refine your idea. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for progress.

Dedicating just one of your weekly five hours to validation tasks can save you months of wasted effort later.

3: Build a Support Network to Stay on Track

Building a SaaS business while working full-time can feel isolating. You need a support system to keep you motivated, provide feedback, and help you navigate challenges. This is where mentors, peers, and communities come in.

Many of my clients have leveraged mentorship to fast-track their progress. Having someone who’s been in your shoes can provide invaluable insights and keep you accountable. 

If you’re not sure where to start, my free guide, How to Leverage Mentorship for Startup Success, is a great resource.

Here’s how you can build a strong support network:

• Find a Mentor: Reach out to someone you admire in your industry. This could be through LinkedIn, professional organizations, or even within your workplace. Don’t hesitate to ask for guidance—most people are happy to share their experience.
• Join Communities: There are countless online communities and Slack groups for SaaS founders and tech entrepreneurs. Engaging in these spaces can connect you with like-minded people and provide ongoing support.
• Stay Accountable: Share your goals and progress with your mentor, peers, or community. Accountability can be a powerful motivator to stay consistent.

One of the most inspiring examples I’ve seen is a client who juggled a demanding VP role while launching her SaaS business. By dedicating five consistent hours per week and seeking support from a community of entrepreneurs, she not only launched her product but also secured her first paying customers within six months.

Conclusion: Start Small, Stay Consistent, and Take Action

Starting a SaaS business while working full-time in tech isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about focusing on what truly matters, validating your idea, and building a support network to help you stay on track.

If my clients can build successful businesses with just five focused hours a week, you can too. The key is to start small and stay consistent. Each step you take—no matter how small—brings you closer to your dream.

If you’re ready to learn more strategies like these and get actionable tips every week, sign up for my Inbox Club newsletter. It’s packed with insights to help you build your business while balancing a full-time job.

Let’s make 2025 the year you turn your idea into a thriving SaaS business—one hour at a time!