There’s this moment that happens where you just know. You weren’t put on this earth to reply to Slack threads or survive performance reviews. You were made for more. You can feel it in your gut.
But here’s the deal. Quitting your job to start your own business isn’t just about chasing a dream. It’s about making sure you don’t turn that dream into a financial nightmare. Because freedom feels amazing until the bills hit and you’re Googling “cheap dinner ideas with canned beans.”
So how do you do this right? You build a runway. Not just any runway—your runway. A game plan that gives you the confidence to walk out of your 9-to-5 knowing exactly what you’re walking into.
Let’s start with the first step: know what business you’re actually starting. Not in a “someday I want to open a coffee shop” kind of way. I mean real clarity. What are you offering? Who’s it for? Why are they going to pay for it? You need to know this like it’s your Netflix password—something you can recite without thinking.
And don’t stop there. Test it. Try it on the side. Sell one version of it before you make it your full-time thing. Because if it doesn’t work at 10% capacity, it’s not going to magically work at 100%.
Now let’s talk about your why. This isn’t some motivational poster quote, it’s your fuel. When you’re exhausted, when things go wrong, when that tiny voice in your head says “go back to the safe job,” your why is what keeps you pushing forward. So make it personal. Make it real. Is it about freedom? Impact? Building something that’s yours? Write it down. Refer to it often.
Next: understand the reality of your personal life. Starting a business is exciting but it’s also disruptive. How are your finances? Can you float yourself for 6–12 months without panic? What expenses are non-negotiable, and what can you cut? Are your relationships strong enough to handle the stress that may come with change? This is where you check in with your life, not just your ambition.
Once that’s in place, do your research. I’m not talking about hours of scrolling on Instagram. I mean real market research. Who’s your target customer? What’s keeping them up at night? What are they already spending money on—and how do you fit into that picture?
And don’t just stop at customers—look at your competitors. What are they doing well? Where are they dropping the ball? This gives you an opening. A reason people should choose you. Because here’s the truth: people don’t buy the best solution. They buy the most understood solution. Make sure your audience feels like you get them better than anyone else.
Now you need a plan. And I’m not talking about a pretty PDF you never look at again. I’m talking about a real plan. Set goals. Milestones. Dates. Know how many clients or customers you need to hit break-even. Know what your offer is, how much it costs, and how you’re going to get it in front of the right people.
Budget like a CEO. Not like someone hoping things “just work out.” Track your spending. Know your numbers. Have a cushion. If you need $5K a month to survive, don’t quit until you’ve either saved up 6 months of expenses or proven your business can deliver that income consistently.
And while you’re at it build a back-up plan. Not because you’ll fail. But because it’s smart. If this version of your business doesn’t work, what’s Plan B? What’s your pivot? Confidence doesn’t come from guarantees it comes from knowing you’re ready for whatever happens.
Finally, leave well. Don’t burn bridges. Don’t disappear overnight. Be respectful. Ask for recommendations. Save your work samples (the ones that are legally and ethically yours). Express gratitude. Your past network might open future doors.
You don’t need everything to be perfect before you leap. You just need a foundation that holds you when things get wobbly. So take your time. Be intentional. Build while you still have the safety net of your job. And when you walk out that door? Walk out knowing you’re not running from something but instead you’re running toward it.
And that’s how you go from employee to entrepreneur with purpose, preparation, and a plan.
