When I decided I wanted to work for myself, I was working a full time job. And while I knew what I wanted to do, doing it wasn’t so easy because my I was wearing golden handcuffs – needing the income kept me tied to my job. I couldn’t just leave to start a business. I didn’t know if the business would work out and we had bills to pay.

I didn’t come from money, I didn’t inherit anything or get any handouts, and my husband didn’t earn more than I did. My income was a necessity.

I was desperately unhappy and the longer I stayed there settling for something that simply paid the bills but didn’t give me any joy, the more depressed I became.

Sometimes we are motivated to action by passion but sometimes it is pain. I had both. I was passionate about doing what I loved for a living, and I the pain point of being in a job I hated was growing stronger.

Eventually something had to give.

It wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen overnight but it was fear that put it off more than any logistics.

Fast forward a few years and I was running my own business doing what I loved, and while it was easy to say once it was already done, my only regret was that I didn’t do it sooner.

So how did I do it and what advice have I given to others who I have coached to take the leap?

1. Have a plan. Some people DO just quit and go for it but that’s not for everyone. Entrepreneurs are often risk takers but that doesn’t mean you have to take risks that could put you into financial difficulty. There are two main ways people prepare while making it safe. These are to start your business on the side and build it up while you still have the security of your current job. Then, you could take a step towards full time by going part time in your current job or replacing it with a part time job along the way. The other option which is a good idea anyway, is to save 6 months of income as a buffer to fund you while you grow your business.
2. Set measurable milestones. You need to have a way to tell that you are making progress. This may be a number of clients or sales per week, a savings goal, a social media following, how many enquiries you’re getting. Something measurable.
3. Keep the big picture in mind while you’re working hard to build your new life. If you are working a job while starting a business, the time put into your business has to come from somewhere. You may need to temporarily make some sacrifices to fit in the work time required to build this up. Remember why you want this, and keep your big picture vision in mind whenever things feel hard. You might also really hate your current job. If that’s you, it’s important that your big picture goals are priority number one.

Never lose sight of why you’re doing it. Remember that most entrepreneurs have had to take some risks, but we’re also living in the best time ever to start a business and market it online.

How about you, did you leave a job to start your business? How did you do it?

If you haven’t yet, but you want to break the chains and do your own thing and you’d like some help. DM me for one on one coaching.