A growing number of people, both young and old, are saying goodbye to their regular 9-5 job in favor of becoming their own boss. But starting a business and leaving the comfort of a steady 9-5 income is no easy feat, so here are four tips to help you if you’re currently sitting on the fence.
Take your time and plan it out
Starting a business even if you are planning on freelancing your services, shouldn’t be taken lightly and involves a lot of work. To ensure that you are going to be financially ok during this time, you need to make sure that you have thought your income streams through or, at the very least, have some savings put aside to live off while your business gets off the ground. Failing to plan before you hand in your resignation, can put you under unpleasant pressure. So take your time, start building your empire and then take the plunge once you have a little more financial security. For more advice on making money outside of a 9-5, there is a range of online resources and forums such as fck9to5.com.
Make sure you pursue something you are passionate about
We’ll repeat it for the people in the back – starting a business can be tough, which is why you need to make sure that you are passionate about what you are doing so that you will stick with it when the going gets tough. Although you don’t need to have a passion for your business, it sure does help you stay motivated, and therefore you increase your chances of success. If you really have no idea what your business should be, then look at your own likes and dislikes and appraise your strengths, such as are you creative? and try to find something that fits.
Don’t feel like you have to make an all or nothing jump
Many people start their business as a side-hustle alongside their 9-5, giving them the financial security they need while enabling them to get their business off the ground. Please don’t feel as though you need to quit your 9-5 to start a business; it is possible to do both simultaneously and make the shift more gradually. If you need a little more time to dedicate to your business growth, you could always consider a part-time position to keep some regular money coming in.
Believe you can and you will
One of the most significant barriers stopping people from making the shift and leaving their 9-5 is their own self-doubt or the judgment of those around them. Although more people are choosing to become self-employed, it is still seen as a deviation from the norm, and so it is normal to experience some push-back or skepticism from friends, relatives, or co-workers. If you’re being held back by your own self-confidence but have everything else set in place to succeed, take some time to empower yourself through mantras and personal development. Don’t neglect the power of a positive mindset when making this transition.
So there you have it – four tips to help you leave the grind of the 9-5 in favor of becoming your own boss. How did you find the courage to leave your job? Let us know in the comments.
