You may be wondering from the title that this chick is cray cray. Maybe just a little!
I know it’s everyone’s dream to quit their job and start a business. That plan may work for you if are financially ready and set. Although I make decent salary and earn extra income from time to time the option to quit my day job is not ideal. I’ve heard so many stories of people taking that leap of faith and going full throttle but they fail to tell you about the numerous struggles. I am already on the struggle train with trying to figure it ALL out so I don’t need the extra stress. My mom always use to say “you are good at what you do, there is a time and place for everything” so have a little patience, chile!
After carefully planning and budgeting my expenses I realized a few reasons why I am not quitting my day job anytime soon.
1. Having a job gives you resources like a steady paycheck.
If your business failed you will still have income to keep you afloat and you won’t be upset that you spent all savings and maxed out your credit cards. So now you’re broke as bleep! And plus you’ll stay committed until you figure it out. To be honest if John Legend was able to released his debut album in 2000 and still kept this day job 2 years later until it was his time to shine. Ummmm you can wait boo!
2. There is no pressure
Have you seen the amount of influencers and YouTubers who are burnt out? Of course you can get burnt out working your day job. Think about the pressure of pushing out a product or service because you need to keep up the appearance of being this fabulous superstar. And since you are still have your day job you have time to approach your business thoughtfully.
3. You could be quitting for all the wrong reasons
9 out 10 startups will fail within the 1st year. Do you serious want to be a statistic? OK, so you may be tired of your boss or you know someone who made it and things went well. Do you even have a solid plan? Nope, you don’t and don’t lie and tell me that you do because I know you don’t, which is another reason why you should keep your day job. If I would have quit my job years ago I would be in serious debt with extremely low self-esteem because I didn’t have a solid plan therefore creating more stress I don’t need or want.
4. Whose gonna pay your medical bills
Your health is extremely important and it plays a huge role on how you perform. I love my benefits and I have a great plan that pays for nearly everything. Now a take a minute to see how much your employers pays for you to have those wonderful benefits.You’ll be surprise that you pay a very small percentage for the coverage. I’ve seen a few of the health plans advertised in the market place and if you want good coverage like that employer sponsored plan, you’re going to have to pay a hefty fee. Are you seriously ready for that or would you gamble on your life? I hope not but you never know these day sometimes desperation kicks in and you might do whatever. BUT PLEASE DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR HEALTH!
5. I simply love what I do and I’m learning a lot
And that’s the truth! Yes, I would love to have my own branding agency and one day I will. For now I am soaking up all the information and resources that’s available and never turning down an opportunity to attend a conference. Knowledge is key and you can never have to much. I’ll acquire all the skills I need until the time is right for me to take that leap of faith.
Now that I’ve given you new perspective, having a job and starting a business is not so bad. There are so many people like you and I who would love to quit our day job but it’s not ideal. Even though I make a decent amount freelancing, it’s just not steady income. As a business you want a steady stream of income in order to see profits and become sustainable.
Food for thought
I’ll leave you with a fun fact: Actress Regina King who has been in the entertainment business for over 30 + years appearing in movies and television was finally nominated for an Oscar for her role in If Beale Street Could Talk. She has won NAACP awards and Emmys, but it took years of hard work and dedication before she won her 1st Oscar, which is awesome! Take the moment to celebrate all of your small victories because your time will come. SO BE PATIENT, BOO!
Be thankful that you have a job, there are a lot of people who don’t and want to work.