How I Balance A Social Media Internship While Running A Small Business

Trying to juggle a full-time job while running a business on the side isn’t for the faint-hearted. Some days, I feel like a superhero, and on other days? I can barely hold it together. But over time, I’ve learnt that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. So, here’s how I’ve been figuring it out one day at a time.

You might be wondering why I’m doing both right? Well, the truth is that life happened. I’ve an entrepreneurial spirit, and I’ve been running a small business for five years now. My business is my baby, and it gives me a sense of ownership, freedom, and creativity. However, I’m also transitioning into the tech and digital space, and I knew I needed experience. That’s why I leaped into a social media internship.

So instead of choosing one over the other, I chose both and learned to make them work together. Was I scared? Yes. Was I unsure about how I’d balance both? Absolutely. However, I also knew that staying comfortable would hinder my growth.

So I’ll be sharing some tips that helped me balance work and business, and hopefully they’ll be of help to you too.

1. Time management

I’ve learned to manage my time more effectively, ensuring that my business tasks and work responsibilities don’t overlap. Starting my day early and staying focused helps me stay on track. For weekdays, I try to start the day early by responding to customer messages or packing any orders before heading out to work. When I get to work, I’m fully locked in; brainstorming content ideas, writing captions, creating content, and taking courses, because everything I learn here helps my business too. After work, I switch gears. I review customer feedback, reply to more messages, follow up with logistics, sort out orders, and schedule posts for my business. Sometimes, I’m really tired and that’s okay too.

2. Not Overcommitting

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned while running a business and undergoing my internship is accepting that I can’t do everything in one day, and that’s perfectly okay. I used to feel like I was failing whenever I couldn’t complete my entire to-do list, but I understand now that productivity isn’t about doing too much; it’s about being intentional with my time and energy. So what I do is set clear priorities for each day. I focus on the top 2–3 tasks that need to be done, whether it’s business or work-related, and I permit myself to move less urgent ones to the next day without feeling guilty. Truly, this has helped reduce stress and given me more control over my time.

3. Prioritizing Rest

I make time to rest because, like a popular Nigerian slang says, “body no be firewood.” I’ve realized that taking intentional breaks boosts my creativity and energy, so I’ve made it a habit to rest from work and business, especially on weekends. Burnout is real, and it’ll force you to rest in a way that isn’t cute, and I avoid that at all costs.

Conclusion

What I love most about my internship is that it’s stretching me. I’m unlearning and relearning; I’m also learning how to work with a team and, most importantly, how to be consistent even when I don’t feel like it. It’s funny how much I’m applying what I learn here to my brand. It’s like getting paid (in experience) to level up my business. Cool right?

I know you think I have it all figured out, but the truth is that I’m still getting the hang of it. Some days I feel like I’m dropping the ball. I remember when I almost missed posting on our company’s page one day. Other times, I get overwhelmed and busy that I even forget to reply to a customer’s message.. But then I remember why I started and why I chose to do both. My dreams are valid, and my growth is worth the juggle. Every day, I strive to get better. Every challenge teaches me something new. And even though it’s not easy, it’s worth it.

If you’re trying to balance an internship or a full-time job with a side hustle or anything else you care about, just know that you don’t have to get it right all the time. Give yourself grace. Stay organized and keep your “why” close. I’m rooting for you the same way I’m learning to root for myself.