Taking the Leap: When to Leave Your Job for Your Passion Project
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Chapter 1: The Decision to Transition
Recently, I made a bold choice that altered my career path dramatically. It's been a while since my last post, as I focused on expanding my presence on other platforms. For too long, I was trapped in a job I loathed, clocking in over fifty hours a week for a company that I couldn't genuinely support.
During my third month at Tesla, I had discussions with management regarding my potential future there, especially in a quality engineering capacity. I tried to convince myself that I was progressing, but deep down, I knew I was just clinging to the job.
The common advice is to leave your full-time position only when your side hustle earns as much as your salary. Though I was compensated well at Tesla—my best pay yet—I felt stifled. The standard recommendation often includes having at least six months of savings before taking such a leap, but I had grown weary of adhering to these rules. I was tired of being dependent on a paycheck.
Is it an Emotional Choice?
To some extent. It's crucial not to let fleeting feelings dictate such significant decisions, especially when the thought of "I can't stand my job anymore" arises. My struggle stemmed from working long shifts that drained my energy, preventing me from dedicating time to my passion project. On my days off, I yearned for rest and found myself missing deadlines, all while regretting the time lost on what I truly cared about. I recognized that the more I advanced in my role, the more trapped I felt.
I had buried these emotions for a couple of months, convincing myself that future promotions would bring fulfillment. Ironically, moving up would likely lead to longer hours and a deeper sense of entrapment, even with increased pay.
What is Your Value?
Five-figure salary? Six-figure salary? Frankly, that question misses the point. Are you willing to sacrifice your happiness for any sum of money? Should that even be a consideration?
It's worth noting that I have no dependents or significant financial obligations, which made my timing for this leap ideal. If I fail, the fallout will primarily affect me, and I won't suffer too greatly since I have few assets.
As Gary Vaynerchuk reminds us, “If you're under 30, take the biggest risks of your life. You can always return to a job if things don't work out. Bet on yourself.”
I am young and optimistic about my future. While I anticipate challenges, I'm not looking for a fairy-tale outcome. My goal is to discover a path where I can thrive by doing what I love. I have several strategies in place to maintain my income, and being able to devote all my time and energy to my endeavors brings immense satisfaction.
The Only Concern
Is my only concern running out of money? What if I could eliminate that worry? Then, my only challenge would be financial sustainability. The solution? I need to hustle to create my own income rather than relying on someone else's paycheck.
The Reality of U.S. Culture
The traditional route to financial success seems to be: attend college and secure a well-paying job. But what does that really offer? Stability?
What happened just a week after I left my "secure" job was astonishing. Many of my friends were laid off shortly after my departure, leading me to doubt my choice. However, I received reassurance in various forms—like seeing “999” angel numbers everywhere and encountering music that resonated with my situation.
“Made my first mil' on my own; I don't need your help.” — Nipsey Hussle
“Quitting my job was when the real work began.” — Big Sean
I even read about someone earning $40,000 a month after leaving their job to start an online consulting agency. Confirmation came from clients reaching out in the same week.
Keep Your Plans Private
Although I'm generally open with my close circle, I only shared my decision to quit with a couple of trusted individuals. Outside opinions can be detrimental, especially from those who don't share your vision or cover your expenses.
People often label such decisions as foolish, and I would have echoed that sentiment two years ago. However, their viewpoint is rooted in seeking security rather than pursuing growth. I’m choosing to embrace a mindset of thriving and making my financial independence a reality.
Understanding Money
The conventional approach to earning money is limited to a few methods, but the reality is that making money involves solving problems for others and monetizing those solutions. The more adept you become at this, the greater your earning potential.
Once I recognized that my side hustle should no longer just be a side endeavor, I decided to take a significant leap. If you’re contemplating leaving your job for a business, consider this advice: if you have dependents, discuss your plans first and ensure you have a financial cushion. If you’re unencumbered and feel that your job is stifling your spirit, consider downsizing your lifestyle and boldly move forward.
Before quitting, it may be wise to seek a better job, ideally one that allows you to work on your side hustle during business hours. I ultimately chose to quit because I no longer wanted to be subordinate to anyone else. I realized I had enough strategies to sustain myself while I build my business.
Trusting a Higher Source
In the lead-up to my decision, I encountered numerous signs that reassured me. Connecting to a higher source can provide comfort and clarity when making such significant life changes.
I hope you find this narrative insightful, and I'll continue to share my journey. Thank you for reading!
If you're interested in purchasing my digital product aimed at reducing stress, enhancing clarity, and boosting confidence, click here.
Chapter 2: Key Insights on Quitting Your Job
This video discusses the critical factors to consider before quitting your job to pursue your business full-time.
In this video, experts share advice for those contemplating leaving their job to start a business.