Starting a business is an exhilarating leap into the unknown, but for many first-time entrepreneurs, a pressing question looms: How many hours will I realistically need to work? Unlike traditional 9-to-5 roles, entrepreneurship is unpredictable, and work-life balance often feels like a distant dream in the early stages. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the typical time commitments—and how to manage them—can help new business owners set realistic expectations and avoid burnout.
The Startup Phase: Long Hours and Full-Immersion Mode
When launching a business, the initial months or years are often characterized by 60–80+ hours per week of work. This phase is all about survival, growth, and establishing the foundation for long-term success. New business owners juggle a multitude of tasks:
- Product/Service Development: Refining offerings, sourcing materials, or building prototypes.
- Marketing and Sales: Building a customer base through social media, networking, or advertising.
- Operational Hurdles: Setting up legal structures, accounting systems, and supply chains.
- Customer Support: Directly handling client inquiries and feedback.
- Financial Management: Tracking cash flow, securing loans, or managing expenses.
In these early months, owners often wear every hat. A sole proprietor might spend mornings creating content, afternoons meeting with suppliers, and evenings fielding customer calls. Even those with co-founders or small teams face immense pressure to multitask. “It’s like steering a ship with no maps,” says Sarah Lin, founder of a craft beverage company. “You do whatever it takes to keep things afloat.”
Pro Tip: During this phase, time tracking apps (like Toggl or RescueTime) can help identify time sinks and optimize workflows.
The Growth Phase: Delegation as a Game-Changer
As the business stabilizes—usually 6–18 months in—the workload can shift from doing to managing. Owners may still work 40–60 hours weekly, but the nature of their time changes. Key tasks during this stage include:
- Hiring and Training: Delegating operational tasks to employees or freelancers.
- System Building: Creating SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to automate repetitive tasks.
- Strategic Planning: Focusing on scaling the business, exploring new markets, or diversifying offerings.
- Networking and Partnerships: Collaborating with influencers, suppliers, or investors.
Delegation is crucial here. Many entrepreneurs initially resist hiring, fearing costs or loss of control, but offloading tasks frees up mental bandwidth for high-impact work. For example, hiring a virtual assistant for email management or outsourcing bookkeeping can save 10–15 hours weekly, allowing owners to focus on growth.
Industry Variations
The hours required can vary dramatically depending on the business model:
- Service-Based Businesses (coaching, consulting): May require fewer hours but intense availability during client hours.
- E-commerce or Retail: Often demand longer hours, especially during launch or peak seasons.
- Creative Enterprises (design, content creation): Time may be spent sporadically in “burst” mode but require long work sessions.
A survey by Gallup found that entrepreneurs in tech startups work an average of 70 hours weekly, while small service businesses average 50–60 hours. Location also matters—owners in fast-paced markets (e.g., San Francisco or New York) may work longer hours to stay competitive.
The Stabilization Phase: Finding Balance (Eventually)
After a few years, businesses often reach a plateau. Here, the owner’s role shifts to visionary and leader, and work hours may drop to 30–50 hours weekly—if the business is properly scaled. However, this phase requires:
- Ongoing Maintenance: Monitoring operations to prevent bottlenecks.
- Adaptation: Pivoting in response to market changes or customer needs.
- Long-Term Planning: Investing in innovation, expanding teams, or exploring new revenue streams.
Even at this stage, owners might still “step in” for critical tasks during crises, which can temporarily spike their workload. “You never fully clock out,” explains Miguel Torres, owner of a manufacturing firm. “But you learn to say no to things that don’t align with your goals.”
Burnout Warning:
The entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. A 2023 study by the Harvard Business Review
revealed that 72% of founders reported chronic stress, and 60% cited poor
work-life balance as a top challenge. Overworking without rest can lead to
health declines, strained relationships, and poor decision-making.
Strategies to Manage Time and Energy
While long hours are the norm early on, smart time management can mitigate exhaustion:
- Outsource Ruthlessly: Paying someone $20/hour to handle a task you’d do for free is often worth the peace of mind.
- Batch Tasks: Dedicate specific times for emails, administrative work, or creative tasks to reduce context-switching.
- Set Boundaries: Use tools like “Do Not Disturb” modes or time-blocking to protect personal hours.
- Automate Repetitive Work: Use software (e.g., QuickBooks for accounting or Canva for marketing) to streamline workflows.
- Take Strategic Breaks: Even 30 minutes of exercise or meditation daily can improve productivity.
Realistic Expectations for New Entrepreneurs
Let’s dispel a myth: Starting a business doesn’t guarantee 8-hour workdays (at least, not for a while). However, the effort is often worth it. Most business owners report higher job satisfaction and autonomy after the initial grind.
Sample Timeline:
- 0–6 Months: 60–80 hours/week (if solo) or 40–60 hours/week (with a small team).
- 6–18 Months: 50–70 hours/week, with growing delegation responsibilities.
- 2+ Years: 30–50 hours/week (if systems are robust) or 40–60 hours/week (if the business is still scaling).
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Progress Over Perfection
As a new business owner, the hours you work are just one part of the equation. A 60-hour week might be unavoidable in the beginning, but your ability to build systems, delegate effectively, and protect your energy will determine long-term success. Stay agile, track your progress, and remember: No schedule is as important as the health of your business—and your well-being.
So, how many hours should you expect to work? It depends on your business’s needs, your work style, and your willingness to adapt. For most, the answer is: longer than you imagine—until it’s manageable.