Over the years I've seen numerous posts from people on this forum who have an engraving (or signage or whatever) business they are either just starting out in, or have had for X number of years. There are often comments relating to working full-time "real" jobs elsewhere so they can make ends meet, receive benefits, or supplement their income until their business becomes more profitable. Several questions come to my mind when reading these posts.
1) Does your "real job" know you have a business?
1a) If yes, are they okay with you having a business or do they see it as a conflict that you may not pay attention to your "real job" and instead attend to your business on their dime?
2) Do you conduct business (email/phone/other) while working at your "real job" and if so, does your manager know you are doing this?
2a) If yes, do you only conduct your business during breaks & lunch?
2b) If no, do you only conduct your business on weekends, nights or ??
3) Do you tell your customers you are working at a "real job" or do you give excuses as to why you cannot start a rush project until you finish your shift?
I know I'm not wording this well, but the main gist of this is ... How are you running your business at the same time you are working for someone else? and .... Are you turning customers away because you cannot respond to them or supply them with their needs as quickly as you could if you didn't have a "real job" dominating your time?