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Today we’re talking about how to take the leap from your 9-5 job into doing work you love full time.

I remember when I was working in my marketing job, I would see other people doing the ‌work I wanted to be doing, so I knew it was possible but had no idea how to get there.

I had a million questions, like…

What steps did they take?

How were they paying for health insurance or a 401k?

Should I quit and figure it out once I have more time on my hands or build my business while at my current job?

…can I ACTUALLY make this work?

If you are asking yourself those questions, you are in exactly the right place. 

There is a TON of information out there on growing and scaling a business, but what about the messy transition part where everything inside of you is saying to “QUIT NOW!!” – but you don’t have an income generating business YET – how do you bridge the gap? 

That’s EXACTLY what we are diving into today. 

Good news is, there are only a few choices, and you just need to pick one.

I’m going to outline the best 3 options. 

As I go through these… check in and get an intuitive sense of what feels best for you. 

Option 1: Take the leap and build your wings on the way down

AKA, leave your job now. THEN build your business and figure it out as you go.

Pros: 

★You practice betting on yourself

★You get out of a toxic situation that is draining your energy or affecting your health

★You put your butt to the fire (this can be motivating for some people)

★Sometimes you have more time and energy to dedicate to your business

Cons:

★Unless you have a financial runway, it puts a lot of stress on you to make money right away. There is a different energy in INVITING people to work with you and NEEDING someone to work with you to pay the bills. 

★We don’t always get more productive when we have more time on our hands.

This is a good option if you are currently working over 50-60 hours a week and you have a lot more money than time available. 

This is NOT a good option if you are working a typical 40 hours a week or less job, don’t have a financial cushion or business training under your belt and you are completely starting from scratch. 

PRO TIP: RESIST THE URGE TO BOLT. Stay the course, but take action TODAY to save the money and get the business training you need to get your business started while you are currently employed. 

If you haven’t signed up for my business training program, The Aligned Female Entrepreneur that teaches you how to create and launch a profitable online business aligned with your purpose and passions, definitely check it out. 

Option 2: Build Yo’ Business Until You Can’t Build Yo’ Business No Mo’

AKA, start building your business NOW at your 9-5. Once you are making money and have more clients than you have time for, make the switch.

Pros:

★You can test the viability of your business concept with limited to no risk

★You make a bunch more money to save and invest in your business / your transition

★You can max out your 401k and other benefits like paid trainings and leave while in your current job

★Helps you build a greater capacity to be epic, which will translate into your own business

★Make connections with potential clients

Cons:

★Fewer hours of the day to work, need to be creative

★Work might feel draining and you just want to leave, but you learn how to push through the discomfort

Option 3: The Bridge Job

AKA Go part time in your current job or find a new job with less hours or responsibility so that you can have income coming in while you focus on building your business. 

This is a hybrid option where you would spend your time and energy right now finding a DIFFERENT job that will pay the bills and potentially free up your time, energy, or headspace to dedicate the next year or so building a profitable business. 

PRO TIP: Ideally a mindless job OR a job that fills a skill-set

Pros:

★Less financial strain on your business

★Learn a new skill

★Make connections because not working in a vacuum 

★Opens up some time in your calendar to focus on your business without having zero structure – (which, by the way, usually turns into 10am starts, wearing yoga pants all day, “researching” instagram instead of building your business)

Cons:

★You won’t have unlimited time dedicated to building your business

★Sometimes it can be an ego blow to work for someone else or do something you are overqualified for

★A bridge job will typically bring in less income than your 9-5

This is perfect for you if you know it’s way past time to leave your job, you want to free up time and space to dedicate to your business; you have some flexibility with your finances, and you are willing to be humbled a bit for the sake of your bigger dream. 

I personally love choice 2 or 3. So do most successful people I know. 

Let’s face it… It’s heartbreaking to gather the courage to leave your job, start your own business and run out of money the first year or two and feel you are a failure if you have to go back to a day job. 

Truthfully, MOST businesses need a year or 2 to get set up and run smoothly. So why not stockpile some cash while figuring it out?

The other benefit to building your business NOW instead of waiting until you leave your 9-5 is that your energy will change just knowing you are doing your own thing and aren’t a slave to your 9-5. Your day job is just FUNDING your dream! 

That energetic shift of recalibrating your confidence level and knowing you have choices often feels SO good.

I actually got my BEST performance reviews while starting my business while working my 9-5, because I was happier, less stressed or self-critical and just generally felt less attached. 

So which route are you going to choose to take?

Remember, no action, no result.

I want you to take action TODAY to get yourself in the perfect position to ‌transition from your 9-5. 

What happens when you don’t take empowered and aligned action is you give your power away? 

You think you owe something to your current employer or that you don’t have options or that OTHER people with money or financial backing get to do this but not you. 

Whatever you do, DO not stay stuck in that place. 

If you are reading this, chances are you have been there for a while and it’s time to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

RIGHT NOW, choose which route you are going to move toward. 

Either start saving up that financial runway, look for other employment opportunities, or get the business training you need to create a profitable business in record time even while still in your 9-5.

Would love to hear from you in the comments below – which option are you going to start pursuing THIS WEEK?

Here are a few other BONUS tips:

1. Look at your current expenses and income and see how much you need (we have a done-for-you workbook to help you get started right here).

2. Brush up on your resume and see what other options are out there for you.

3. Reach out to people doing what you want to be doing and ask them if they’ll talk to you. Set up lunch or a coffee and say it will only take 20-30 minutes if it’s a phone call. Thank them for their time. LISTEN way more than you talk. You’ll be amazed at how many people will share with you! SO helpful! A few questions to get started:

a. How did you get started?
b. What were some things you wish you did earlier in your business that would have helped you be successful out of the gate? / What would you have done differently?
c. What do you think has been the secret to your success?
d. How did you find those first paying clients?
e. BONUS: you can always volunteer or work with someone doing what you want to do

4. Look into health insurance in your area. This is usually a stumbling block to people feeling confident about leaving the safety net of a traditional 9-5, but honestly it’s not that complicated. You just sign up to pay out of pocket for health insurance and can even set up auto payments. Typically, subsidies are available too.

5. Join networking groups in your area. For example, In Vermont I love the VT Womenpreneurs group. Surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do!

That’s it! 

Let me know what action you are going to take as a result of today’s training. 

And if you are ready to create consistent $5-$10k months doing work you love, join us in The Aligned Female Entrepreneur. 

>> Start Building Your Business Today <<

I love you, keep going, you got this!