📚 How to Start Affiliate Marketing with a 9 to 5 Job (Beginner’s Guide for Busy Parents)

Real life: building a side hustle while balancing a 9–5 job and a busy family.

Hey there — if you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered, “Is it really possible to build an online income when you already work a full-time job and have a family to care for?” The short answer: Yes — but it’s not overnight, and it’s not magic.

I know this post might be a little similar to another blog I wrote, "How to Start Affiliate Marketing as A busy Parent" but I think this concept is important. It does not take a genius to do this stuff, it just takes consistency. Even if you show up for an hour, you are still building towards something.

I’m a regular working dad with two young boys and a 9–5 job, so I know exactly what it’s like to build towards financial freedom during lunch breaks, naptime, and any "quiet" moment I can grab.

I’m not an “online income guru” — just a real guy figuring this out step by step. In this post, I’ll break down exactly how to start affiliate marketing when you have a 9–5 job, without burning out or giving up on family time.

✅ Is Affiliate Marketing Worth It If You Have a 9 to 5?

Affiliate marketing is one of the simplest ways to get started with making money online because you don’t need your own product, inventory, or complicated customer service. It’s flexible — you can create content or share your recommendations when you have time, and your links can keep working for you even when you’re sleeping.

But let’s be real: it takes consistency, trust, and patience. It won’t make you rich overnight — but it can add an extra stream of income over time if you stick with it.

I feel like I have been testing things out the last year or two, learning concepts, SEO, Keyword research and everything in between. I feel ready to truly implement what I have learned and share my journey with you. I have not made millions of dollars and I am by no means an expert, what I am is a Father and Husband trying to provide more for my family knowing full well it is possible!

✅ Finding Time: Realistic Tips for Busy Parents

One thing I’ve learned? Done is better than perfect. When you’re working full time and raising kids, your pockets of time matter. Here’s what works for me:

✔️ Plan tiny goals: Focus on 30-minute tasks — write a short blog post outline, draft one email, or research one affiliate program.✔️ Use naptime and early mornings: It adds up. One nap might equal one blog post or one funnel tweak.✔️ Batch what you can: Record ideas on your phone, keep a running list of what to do next, and batch content when you have an hour.✔️ Be realistic: You’re not competing with full-time influencers. Small steps compound.

For me personally, I want to be a present dad and I can't spend all day working on something. Instead I choose a day during the week and after the kids are asleep, I get my laptop out and work on something whether it is website design, creating a digital asset, creating a blog or creating something for social media. It sounds like a lot to do but the mistake we fall into is thinking it all has to be done and it has to be done yesterday, at least that is how I felt. I have changed my mindset since then and this blog is proof.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"

✅ How to Start Affiliate Marketing with a 9 to 5 Job

Here’s what I recommend — and what I’m doing right now:

1️⃣ Pick a Topic You Care About

If you’re going to share affiliate links, start with stuff you use and trust. Parenting hacks? Beginner tools for side hustles? Home tech? Pick what you actually enjoy talking about. I chose affiliate marketing because it is something I love learning about. I could choose to remain anonymous and there are strategies out there that don't require you to show who you are, but that is not the purpose of Dadlevelunlocked.net

2️⃣ Sign Up for Simple Affiliate Programs

Look for beginner-friendly programs that pay fairly and have products you’d recommend to a friend. For me, tools for funnels & emails, designs, and even simple domain/hosting tools work well.

3️⃣ Build a Simple Website or Funnel

Don’t overcomplicate this. You just need a spot online to share your content and links. That’s why I built Dad Level Unlocked — my honest hub for what’s working and what’s not. lets be real, I will have affiliate links on my website, but they will be for tools I am actively using for my affiliate marketing journey.

4️⃣ Share Real Content, Not Spam

Write blog posts, share what you learn, and include your links naturally. People buy from people they trust — not faceless pitch pages. Be Honest and Authentic and take some time to ensure there is value in what you are producing.

5️⃣ Grow Your Audience Slowly

Use free traffic strategies:

• Learn basic SEO — like what you’re reading now!

• Share on social when you have time.

• Start an email list early.

• Create true value in your content

✅ The Tools I Use

I keep a simple toolbox so I’m not reinventing the wheel each time I work on my affiliate marketing endeavors. If you want my full beginner-friendly list — it’s all in my free PDF. Grab it here to save yourself time and frustration.

👉 [Get the Free Toolbox PDF]

✅ Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Affiliate marketing with a 9 to 5 isn’t easy — but it’s possible if you keep it real. I don't game as much as I used to but I found another hobby that I love. Progress over perfection. One small step during lunch break. One post during naptime. You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow — just start. You’re not alone — I’m building this right alongside you.

Want my exact tools? 👉 Grab the free PDF and follow along — let’s build it one nap at a time.

Want an even more relatable starting point? Check out my first post on how to start affiliate marketing as a parent — it’s all about the real challenges and small wins when you’re juggling family life and trying to build extra income during naptime.

New to all this and not sure where to start? Check out my beginner’s guide on affiliate marketing for beginners. I break down what it really is, how it works, and the honest steps I’m taking to build side income without quitting my day job. Yet.

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