Balancing College, Work, and Running a Business

Running a business while studying at college and working a job can feel like a never-ending juggling act but it is how I started my business. Some days, it felt like there simply were not enough hours in the day. Between assignments, shifts at work, and trying to grow Doodle Zoo, and finding time to socialize life can get very busy very quickly but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

When I first started Doodle Zoo, I knew I wanted something more than just exams and the traditional path. I wanted to create something of my own, something I was passionate about, and something that gave me freedom and purpose. What started as an idea inspired by my rescue dog, Dotty, quickly became a real business built on creativity, determination, and a lot of late nights.

Learning to Prioritise

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not everything can be done at once. Some days, college has to come first. Other days, work takes priority. And sometimes, the business needs my full attention especially during launches, events, or busy sales periods. One of the hardest things I found was finding time to socialize with my friends and just be a teenager… some days I had a super long to do list and a set of goals for the business and do none of it so I could go out with friends. I have learned that I need to make sure that I do that - even if it sounds totally crazy! 

I’ve learned that being organised is everything. Writing lists, planning content in advance, and setting realistic goals helps me stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed. And sometimes you can plan everything perfectly and won’t get it done - that’s okay! Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, I focus on doing what matters most first. And some days that might be going out to see friends and forgetting about the business completely. 

Time Management Isn’t Always Perfect

There’s a huge pressure online to “have it all together,” but the truth is, balancing everything isn’t always neat and tidy. In fact it rarely is. Sometimes I reply to customer messages late at night. Sometimes college work gets done in between shifts. Sometimes I plan Instagram content while eating lunch at work (I am known for doing this one).

I’ve realized that success doesn’t come from having loads of free time. It comes from using the time you do have wisely.

Passion Makes the Difference

The reason I keep pushing through the busy days is simple: I genuinely love what I’m building.

Doodle Zoo isn’t just a business to me it’s something personal. It represents creativity, independence, and the chance to build a future on my own terms. Seeing customers love products I’ve designed, getting opportunities with local businesses, and watching the brand grow makes all the hard work worth it.

When you care about something enough, you find ways to make it work.

It’s Okay to Rest

One thing I’m still learning is that being busy doesn’t mean you have to burn yourself out. Rest is productive too.

Taking breaks, stepping back from social media, and allowing yourself time to breathe is just as important as working hard. After posting constantly on instagram for 1 and a half years I burnt out complexly and took a step back for 4 months completely from social media. This gave me space to make the quality of content better when I came back but I think that small breaks and a manageable load is much better than complete burn out. I definitely learnt this one the hard way. 

You can’t pour into your business if you’re completely exhausted.

Balance doesn’t mean doing everything all the time it means knowing when to slow down as well.

Final Thoughts

Balancing college, work, and running a business isn’t easy, but it teaches you so much discipline, confidence, resilience, and independence.

Some days are stressful, some days are messy, and some days feel impossible. But every step forward matters. 

Doing something is always better than doing nothing even if the something is wrong. 

If you’re trying to build something while studying or working, my biggest advice is this: start anyway. You don’t need perfect timing, perfect plans, or endless free time. You just need consistency, patience, and belief in what you’re creating.

Because sometimes, the busiest seasons are the ones that build the strongest future.

Good luck

Please get in touch if you have any questions

Email: doodlezoo.uk@hotmail.com

Instagram: @doodlezoo.uk