I get this question all the time: “How do I leave my job and start a side hustle?”
It’s a scary decision, and it’s one I’ve navigated myself.
So I want to share my four-step process to help you transition from your current gig to your new venture with the least amount of stress possible.
(This 4-step process also applies if you’re pivoting your existing business or rebranding.)
Here’s how you can make the leap with confidence.
Step 1: Crush It Where You’re At
First things first: crush it where you’re at.
This might sound counterintuitive if you’re itching to leave, but hear me out.
This principle, which I detail in my book Take the Stairs, is about being excellent at what you’re currently doing.
Why? Because excellence breeds opportunity.
When you excel, you’ll often find that your job becomes more rewarding, or new opportunities might open up within your current situation.
Plus, if you can’t excel at your current job, it’s unlikely you’ll excel at a new venture.
So before you make any moves, make sure you’re at your best wherever you are right now.
Step 2: Follow the 70/30 Rule
The 70/30 Rule will help you manage your transition.
Here’s how it works:
• Maintain 70% of your efforts on your current job to ensure stability.
• Invest 30% of your energy into building your new venture.
This way, you’re not risking everything at once.
You’re slowly building your new business while keeping your main source of income stable.
When the income from your side hustle starts to reach about 30% of your total earnings, you’ll have a much clearer picture of its potential.
Step 3: Be Debt-Free
Financial freedom is critical when starting a new venture.
The less personal debt you have, the more financial runway you give yourself.
Runway is your lifeline—it’s how long you can keep going without significant income.
Being debt-free reduces stress and desperation so you can make better decisions for your new business.
This is your safety net, ensuring you can keep going even when the going gets tough.
Step 4: Start With What You Know Best
Finally, start with what you know best.
Because your best chance at early success is to draw from your existing skills and knowledge.
While it might not be your ultimate dream, it’s the fastest path to generating income.
For example, when I first wanted to leave my corporate job, I used my expertise in humor and public speaking.
It wasn’t my end goal to become a comedian, but it was a stepping stone that provided the cash flow and credibility I needed to pursue my bigger dreams.
Make Your Dream a Reality
These four steps—crush it where you’re at, follow the 70/30 Rule, be debt-free, and start with what you know best—are your blueprint for a successful transition from your current job to your dream side hustle or new business.
These four steps won’t magically make the transition easy, but they will make it easier so you’re more likely to succeed.
And if you’re serious about making this transition, consider scheduling a Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group.
Our team is dedicated to helping you build and monetize your personal brand.
Keep pushing forward and share this blog with someone who might be in the same boat as you.
Let’s make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality!
