Can you work in your store after work and how do you succeed in it

Sahl Thursday,10 Jul 2025

Many employees in Saudi Arabia dream of having an additional source of income, but most are hesitant due to work pressure and a busy schedule. A frequently asked question is, "Can I start an online store after work? Is there a chance I could succeed?" The answer is simple: Yes, you can, but only if you manage your time and know how to do it right.
1. Define Your Goal From the Start
The first thing you need to do is define your goal for opening the store. Do you want a small additional source of income? Or do you aspire to give up your regular work and devote yourself to business in the future? Knowing your goal helps you determine the effort you'll exert and the decisions you'll make from the start.
2. Use Your Time Smartly
Time after work is limited, so instead of wasting it distracted, divide your day. For example:
• One hour daily to follow up on orders
• An hour on weekends to update products
• Use scheduling tools to organize your social media posts
This organization allows you to work smarter without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Be honest with yourself.
If you always come home from work exhausted, plan to build your store gradually. Don't push yourself to start strong and then collapse after a week. Every small step today makes a big difference tomorrow.
4. Provide solutions that help you operate with minimal effort.
Choose a platform that makes setting up your store easy, and take advantage of ready-made tools, such as payment and delivery systems that integrate automatically. Free up your time for important tasks, and reduce manual tasks as much as possible.
5. Don't work alone if you can't.
If you have a partner or someone you trust, divide the tasks. For example, one person handles marketing and the other handles orders. You can even hire a virtual assistant for some tasks, if you have a small budget.
6. Keep the beginning simple and clear.
Start with one or two products. Don't overwhelm yourself with a large number of items, and keep the store design simple and easy for visitors. The goal in the beginning is to "learn and gain experience," not just generate profits.
7. Give yourself time to develop.
A successful side store doesn't happen overnight. Be patient and use every experience as a learning opportunity. After a while, you may reach a stage where your store becomes your main business.
In Saudi Arabia today, e-commerce opportunities are more open than ever, and with payment and delivery facilities, it's easier than ever to start your project while still working. Don't let work be an excuse, but don't ignore your mental and physical stress. Be realistic, organized, and start small and steady. Over time, you'll realize that your store has become a real source of income and may even develop into a lifelong project.