How Much is Too Much on Your Plate?

As things have slowed down a bit this summer, I’ve made a lot of progress in a creative hobby that, as I have received compliments on my work, I’m considering turning into a business (of course). Since I only had one class this summer, it’s been pretty easy for me to almost turn my extracurricular pastime into a class of its own – perfecting my technique, reading up on what it takes to start selling my work, etc.

But I’m worried that perhaps I’d be taking on too much if I get this ball rolling, given that I have two more years of school and am keeping busy at my FT job. Sure, I’d start super-small, but do I really want to turn something that is relaxing and rewarding for me into yet another task or obligation once classes start to kick in this fall? Or will it bring me a needed distraction from case studies and group projects? I’m hoping that school will be a bit less stressful this year, given that I know the drill and have done a good job of juggling thus far, but that doesn’t mean I want to slack off on my efforts or focus them elsewhere.

One part of me wants to get my ducks in a row now, before school starts, so that the ball is rolling once classes start (i.e. get my business license, tax ID, create some inventory, etc). The other part says to wait and see how school is treating me, then potentially adjust my plans. But both parts know that it sure would be nice to have some extra book money! Stay tuned...