Is living a 9-5 life bringing you down? Do you feel as though your current job doesn’t give you the freedom, time, or money you dream of? It’s time to build up the courage to quit your 9-5 and move towards that savvy business idea. Maybe you want to go all in with your side hustle or you’d just like to start over in an entirely new industry.
No matter what your true dream, quitting can be terrifying – especially if you don’t have a backup plan. At the same time, there are many women out there who have done it themselves with mindset shifts and a little help along the way. Here’s how to build up the courage to quit your 9-5 and pursue the life you’re ready to live.
1. Talk to someone who’s taken the leap
Look to others’ stories as mirrors of your own as you plan to leave your 9-5. To lay the foundation for an efficient plan, ask a trusted friend or mentor who’s already done it. They can give you tips and ideas for how to navigate this new terrain and the steps to take towards leaving. Your journey doesn’t have to look exactly like theirs (in fact, it definitely won’t) but getting their point of view will ease your mind and allow you to believe in a possibility you’re holding yourself back from.
If you don’t have anyone close to you who’s made the leap, do a simple Google search for the countless stories of women who leave their 9-5 jobs every day and upleveled themselves to the lives of their dreams. Inspiration awaits.
2. Build up your savings account
Saving money is one of the best ways to help build the courage to finally leave your 9-5. As you create a cushion of money that you can fall back on, you’re breaking up fear that’s keeping you from quitting. Creating a nest egg of money to pay rent and bills is key to keeping you from panic or taking back your resignation letter.
Start by putting any amount you are comfortable with into a savings account. Look at your bills and see if you can stop a few subscriptions or shift priorities that will allow you to build your savings account. While there’s no fixed amount you’ll need in savings, it’s recommended to have at least six months’ worth of living expenses saved up before you quit.
3. Make friends with the thought of failure
You’ll never know what you’re actually capable of until you try. And to try you must first realize that you may actually fail a few times at first. Feeling that fear and holding space for that emotion is key to trusting yourself.
Ask yourself what you’re truly afraid of. Most of us are afraid of failure but you may be surprised to find that many are also afraid of success and what it’s going to take to get to the top. In order to get there though, you may fall down a few times. Making friends with the idea of failure is the sobering reality for most business owners and game changers.
Change the idea that failure means you’ve lost. It just means you’ve found the way not to go.
4. Recognize there will be obstacles – and do it anyway
There’s no doubt about it: leaving your 9-5 will be filled with obstacles. You’ll have to figure out the monetary situation you’ll be living in and calculate exactly how much you’ll need to earn in your new business or career in order to live. You’ll also have to create a new lifestyle for yourself and figure out the best way to prioritize your tasks each day without someone telling you exactly what to do, especially if you’re leaving to become your own boss.
As the obstacles come, it’s important to recognize that they won’t be there forever and that they’re not going to make you stop moving forward unless you allow them to. At the same time, it’s also important to know when it’s time to leave well enough alone and move on. However, so many quit at the first face of adversity. When you quit your 9-5 knowing there are going to be obstacles and preparing yourself for them in the long run, you’ll have a greater chance of success.
5. Start a side hustle
Quitting your 9-5 will be easier if you have income through a passion project, also known as a side hustle. This can be anything from selling jewelry on Etsy to becoming a life or business coach. Once you have a solid side hustle that’s generating some income, you’ll be able to transition over to making it your full-time gig.
At Brand Like Hers, we live for the projects that help women change the world. Check out our programs to build a professional personal brand and website to level up your side hustle and set the stage for freedom after your 9-5.
