How to Stop Working 60 Hours a Week and Build a Business That Runs Without You

Most builders didn’t get into business to work longer hours for less freedom.

And yet, that’s exactly where many end up… buried under 60-hour weeks, solving problems on-site, chasing tradies, quoting jobs, and putting out fires.

Sound familiar?

If your business feels like it would fall apart without you, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. There is a smarter way to grow and it starts with one mindset shift:

You don’t grow your business to get your time back.

You get your time back so you can grow your business.

Here’s how builders around the world are doing exactly that, by buying back their time and finally building a company that runs without them.

The hidden cost of being stuck in the day-to-day

It’s easy to get caught in the weeds. In fact, it can feel impossible to escape. Most builders are so deep in the day-to-day that they barely have time to think, let alone work on systems or strategy.

And because the workload never stops, many start to believe that’s just how it is.

Coaching gets put off. Hiring gets delayed. Systems sit on the to-do list. “I’ll get to it when things quiet down…” But things never quiet down.

This survival mode comes with a high cost.

Lost profit. Lost time with family. Missed opportunities. And a team that becomes more dependent on you, not less.

The only way out isn’t to work harder. It’s to step back and start leading like a business owner, not just a builder.

That’s where the Buy Back Your Time framework comes in. Originally created by Dan Martell, this concept is transforming how builders manage their time, lead their teams, and scale their businesses.

Start with a Time and Energy Audit

Most builders don’t realise how much of their time is spent on low-value, draining work. The quoting. The scheduling. The invoice chasing. It adds up fast and it pulls you away from higher-value decisions.

The first step to taking control of your schedule is running a simple time and energy audit. Track how you spend your time for one week. Then highlight which tasks energise you and which ones drain you. Anything that’s low-value and draining goes to the top of the delegate list.

This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about knowing what to take off first.

Imagine replacing time spent on admin with time to hire the right team member. Or using that time to map out your 12-month strategic plan. The shift starts when you get clear on where your time is really going and what it’s really worth.

Use the Replacement Ladder to hire strategically

A lot of builders hit a wall when it comes to hiring. They’re not sure who to hire first or they aim too high, too soon.

The better approach? Start with the replacement ladder. This method helps you identify low-cost roles you can delegate early, giving you immediate breathing room.

You don’t need to start with a $120K general manager. Start with a virtual assistant who can handle emails, update spreadsheets, or manage schedules. That alone can buy you back 10–15 hours a week; time you can reinvest into sales, marketing, or systemising operations.

Use your “buy back rate” to make decisions. If your time is worth $100 an hour and you’re doing tasks that could be handled by someone at $30, you’re leaving value on the table.

Need help finding someone? Platforms like Upwork or hiring an intern can be great places to start.

And if you’re struggling to afford that first hire? That’s often a sign your margins need fixing before you try to scale. Build in the profit you need to afford your freedom.

Build systems that remove you from the centre

Hiring is only half the equation. Without systems, your team still relies on you to make every decision. That means every email, every delay, and every mistake still ends up on your desk.

Systems are what allow your business to function without you.

Think: documented handover checklists, a repeatable sales process, clear site supervision workflows, and cash flow management systems that don’t require daily input.

When your team knows exactly what to do, clients get a consistent experience, and your business runs smoother.

Instead of answering 100 questions a day, you’ll be focusing on growth, strategy, and leading your team forward.

This is how you build a business that scales. Not with more staff. But with stronger systems.

Where to start if you want your time back

You don’t need to overhaul your business overnight. You just need a clear plan and a first step.

And that’s exactly what we’re offering.

Book a free 45-minute discovery session with our team. In that one call, we’ll help you:

• Identify the biggest thing holding you back
• Map out a step-by-step plan to free up your time
• Show you how to scale without burning out

Because working less isn’t just possible, it’s necessary if you want to lead a building company that lasts.