Run main workflow and a timer at the same time (non-blocking)

[snowpeak]

I want to run my main workflow while a timer counts down in parallel (non-blocking). Concretely:

• Start the workflow.

• Immediately start a timer (e.g., 10 minutes) in the background.

• Let the main workflow continue doing its tasks.

• When the timer expires, trigger a follow-up action (e.g., send a message or call another workflow) without pausing the main flow.

I understand that the Wait node is designed to pause the workflow until the specified time is reached, but in my case I’m looking for something different

What’s the recommended pattern for a parallel, non-blocking timer?

Information on your n8n setup

• n8n version: n8n cloud

[mohamed3nan]

Hi @snowpeak

@snowpeak

• Immediately start a timer (e.g., 10 minutes) in the background.

you can insert that timer logic inside a subworkflow and deactivate the option “Wait For Sub-Workflow Completion” option

This way, the main workflow will start and immediately execute the subworkflow without waiting for it..

Meanwhile, the subworkflow will continue running,
something like: