128 Hours For Projects

A framework for maximizing your time outside of work to build side projects and businesses while maintaining your full-time job.

Core Time Breakdown

• 168 total hours in a week
• 40 hours needed for employer
• At least 40-50 additional hours available for side projects
• Remaining time for sleep, eating, and other activities

Strategy for Side Business Launch

• Run both job and business simultaneously
  • 6-9am: Work on business
  • 9-5pm: Regular job
  • 6pm-midnight: Back to business
  • Weekends: Additional business time

Risk Minimization Approach

• Keep regular job until side business is proven
  • Maintain steady paycheck for living expenses
  • Wait for sufficient revenue/clients/profit before quitting
• Performance strategy at day job:
  • Aim to be "just above firing level"
  • Don't try to be employee of the year
  • Give enough effort to maintain position

Key Success Factors

• Live close to work or work remote to minimize commute
• Focus on efficiency with regular job
• Have clear revenue/profit targets before transition
• Build pipeline and cash flow before leaving job
• Use the security of employment to derisk entrepreneurship

Real Example (Mohnish's Story)

• Started with $30,000 from 401k
• Secured $70,000 in credit card limits
• Built business to cash flow positive before quitting
• Took 9 months of dual operation before transition
• Maintained good standing at job while building business

Mindset

• Entrepreneurs don't take risks - they minimize them
• Use existing income to create safety net
• Focus on building proof of concept while employed
• Plan for worst-case scenarios (ability to return to workforce)