There’s something uniquely challenging about taking a side hustle and turning it into a full-fledged business. You’re juggling a full-time job, maybe family, and trying to carve out a few hours a week to work on what could be your future. I’ve been there, and I can tell you, it’s a wild ride. On this episode of Never Been Promoted, I had a conversation with Patrick Kelly, the CEO of Gratitech.
His story? It’s the kind of journey every aspiring entrepreneur should pay attention to—raw, real, and packed with lessons you don’t get from a book.
The Real Sacrifices Behind Building Something Big
Let’s kick this off by saying it straight: no one builds something worth having without sacrifice. Patrick’s journey started out like many of ours. He was working in corporate America at places like Merrill Lynch and Société Générale, doing what most of us do—putting in the hours, doing the grind. But unlike most, Patrick wasn’t content to just collect his paycheck and go home. He had bigger ambitions, and he was willing to trade some things to get there.
“I gave up personal time, time with friends and family, and I stopped watching TV completely,” Patrick said. That hit home for me because it’s exactly what so many entrepreneurs face. You’re not just giving up leisure time—you’re giving up experiences, relationships, and sometimes, your sanity.
He didn’t just throw himself into his day job and call it a day. Patrick spent his weekends and nights coding, taking on side projects for friends and even small businesses. He was earning extra money on the side while learning skills that would later build his empire. This wasn’t just “grinding.” It was smart work. He wasn’t just hustling for the sake of it—he had a clear goal in mind.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Time is your biggest sacrifice. Patrick sacrificed personal time to focus on learning and earning. It’s not glamorous, but it’s necessary.
- Side gigs aren’t just extra cash—they’re stepping stones. Those small projects led to major clients like Chubb Insurance and Volvo. That’s how you scale.
- You’ve got to love what you do. It’s clear Patrick wasn’t just doing this for the money. He had a passion for programming and cybersecurity that kept him motivated even when the rewards weren’t immediate.
Building Relationships in a Business World
Now, if you’re someone who’s trying to build something while still working a full-time gig, you’ve probably wondered how you keep any sort of balance. Let’s be real—balance is a myth when you’re deep in the hustle. Patrick found out the hard way that you can’t do it all, and sometimes relationships take a backseat.
“I think I should have kept in touch better with some friends,” Patrick admitted. When you’re building something, whether it’s a side hustle or a full-time business, relationships tend to fade. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something you have to be conscious of. Patrick learned to surround himself with people who understood his lifestyle—people in similar fields or with similar ambitions.
He told me that he tries to reach out on LinkedIn or check in with old colleagues, and it’s helped him keep a professional network strong. That network has also become a bit of a safety net, not just for emotional support but for business as well. “A lot of my social network is still work,” Patrick said, and while that can be risky, it also makes sense for people who are fully immersed in their careers.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Your social life is going to change. The friends who matter will stick around, but be prepared to spend more time with people in your professional circle.
- Focus is everything. Patrick has ADD, and he’s mastered the art of cutting out distractions. His phone is on ‘Focus Mode’ most of the day, and he schedules time for personal stuff like working out or checking in on his kids.
- Balance is a myth. Let’s just admit it. You can’t do everything. Patrick chose to dive deep into his business and found his rhythm, even if it meant some sacrifices along the way.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking to Patrick, I couldn’t help but see pieces of my own journey in his story. The grind, the sacrifices, the constant struggle to keep everything together—it’s something a lot of entrepreneurs face. What stood out to me the most was how Patrick found his way, not by waiting for an opportunity but by creating one. He didn’t sit around waiting for someone to tell him it was time to start his business. He made time, carved out his path, and didn’t stop until he saw results.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Sacrifice is part of the deal. There’s no avoiding it. If you want something big, you have to give up something else.
- You don’t need to wait for permission. Patrick didn’t wait for a perfect moment. He just started. There’s never going to be a “perfect time,” so why wait?
- Focus is your best weapon. Distractions are everywhere. Whether it’s TV, social media, or even people, you’ve got to cut the noise and focus on what matters.
- Your network is everything. Whether it’s personal or professional, the people you surround yourself with will help shape your success. Build a network that gets your hustle.
- It’s okay to grow apart from some people. Not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s fine. Patrick made peace with the fact that his social life shifted as his business grew.
Final Thoughts
Patrick’s journey isn’t just about building a business—it’s about taking control of your life and making tough decisions along the way. His story is proof that you can start small, even with a full-time job, and turn it into something huge if you’re willing to put in the work. But it’s not easy, and it’s not for everyone. If you’re thinking about starting something on the side, ask yourself what you’re willing to give up to make it happen.
CONNECT WITH PATRICK KELLY:
Website: https://www.gratitech.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickkellyai-poweredcyberdefense/