10 Tips to Help You Quit Your Day Job and Pursue Your Dream

You’ve heard the saying: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” These strategies can help you ensure a successful transition to the career of your dreams.

Figure out how much money you need to get your business off the ground

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As a career coach, I often have a client to come to me with a great idea for a business that they can run from the comfort of their own home. Maybe it’s an interior design business, a tutoring business, or a catering business. My first question: “How much money are you planning to spend on this venture?” Do you need a website, business cards, a dedicated home office? Might you need to go back to school? Figure out what you’re prepared to invest in your dream job in order to make the money you want to earn. Have a budget and financial plan; don’t just close your eyes and hope. Here are some tips to help you look for a job while you still have one.

Find a transition job to make money while you’re ramping up

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After you quit your day job, you’ll need a steady income while you’re figuring out how to start your own business. My clients will take simple jobs where they can clock in, clock out, and collect a paycheck. The most popular roles are servers or bartenders; this is the transition job of choice for thousands of actors in New York and LA for good reason!

Get your partner on board

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I’ve noticed a common link with the guests on my radio show, Find My Thrive. All the people who have made significant life transitions to pursue their dreams have a person in their life who says, “Honey, go for it. You’re good at this, and you can do this,” and then helps that person tackle obstacles along the way. Whether it’s someone with a deep passion for yoga who wants to teach at a high level, a singer who wants to start her own band, or a 9-to-5-er who wants to be a voice over actor, a key to their success was having a supportive partner who encouraged them to go for it.

Be sure you can say “yes” to the most important career question there is

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When it comes right down to it, everyone who comes through my office wants the same thing: to make a meaningful contribution. They want to use their skills, abilities, interests, and talents to make the world a better place. I know you want to quit your day job, but does your dream job help you make a meaningful contribution? Here’s how to know if you need a career change or just a job change.