This post will not be adorned with stock photos or intermittent images to keep you engaged. If you’re serious, you’ll keep reading. If you could care less or you’re simply not interested, you can just stop reading now. No love lost!
Most people that gravitate towards me have that feeling, but most don’t know the ‘HOW’ or the ‘WHEN’. Of course those two things are the most difficult to deliberate. I will offer this core advice: be strategic. Analyze the following carefully and strategically:
1. Support – Family, friends, spouse, business partner etc. Who will be the person or people supporting you mentally, spiritually and financially. Notice I did not say “who will you depend on”. These people will not be able to “save you”, they should simply lessen your burden and be a constant strength. They might let you live rent free for a certain amount of time, reduce your expected contribution towards rent/mortgage, be an encourager and prayer warrior when you doubt yourself most, hold you accountable to sticking it through to achieve your dreams no matter how discouraging it will get, be an active listener and sound board for your best and worst experiences offering engaged feedback and tough (yet respectful) criticism. YOU WILL need these people deep rooted in your life.
2. Personal Expenses – Get ready to start cutting back, significantly. Go through your bank statement and take a look at how you spend. What are your monthly recurring costs? Do you really need your $8 monthly Netflix account or can you create a shared profile on someone else’s account and get your binge fix there? Is it warm enough outside to workout outdoors so you can put a temporary freeze on your monthly gym membership? Must you get your hair and nails done at the salon or can you learn some protective styles and other ways to be creative with your mani and pedi DIY style? Would it be best to meal prep so you can curb impulse food cravings and dining out? Could your new passion turned profession benefit from a uniform of sorts to reduce clothing shopping? It’s not all about the money you make, but how much you can keep.
3. Travel – Just get it out of your system NOW. Dropping $1000+ on vacations will likely come to a screeching halt if you’re being fiscally conservative. Consider short domestic trips if you can’t live without a suitcase ready.
4. Health – Are you covered? Going back to school as a full time student can prove to be beneficial for quality health care insurance coverage. If not, look in to the Obamacare and private marketplaces. Please do not neglect your mental and physical health and wellness during what will end up being a stressful rollercoaster ride of ups and downs.
5. Children – Can you or the child’s parent still sustain their lifestyle and providing? We all want to chase our dreams, but if you brought someone in to this world – put them first.
6. Money – At least 6 months of your salary saved? Are you going to be in the red for a while or are you already turning a profit? Make sure you have a proven record of legitimate revenue for at least 6 months before you take the leap. Everyone’s business model is different but DO NOT forget to factor in busy season vs. slow season. The last thing you want to do is bleed yourself dry.
7. Relationships – No not the romantic kind, that would fall under ‘support’. I mean the relationships you are leaving at your current day job. LEAVE RESPECTFULLY, not hastily. Offer the right transition plan and knowledge transfer to your team or whoever will fill your position in the interim. You never know if you will need a contact, recommendation or an opportunity from people you worked with at that job. DO NOT BURN BRIDGES. If you deem appropriate, be honest about why you’re leaving — chances are, there’s someone at your job who wishes they had the courage you did to do the same. Give co workers a personal email to stay in touch, you’ll be so surprised to find out who will still be rooting for your success and reaching out to see how your journey is going.
I have sooooo many other tips and things to consider before you take that leap but I will end saying this. Align your purpose with your passion, once you find that – never be afraid to JUMP. You know why? Because if God set you on that course, He will see you through and equip you with everything and everyone you need to succeed. NEVER – EVER – FORGET – THAT.
When you do leave, if any of these 7 principles helped you, drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you and the start of your journey!
— with love