Thinking of Quitting Your Job for self-employment? Read This First

You can probably name a few people who quit their jobs to pursue their dreams and passions.

Ben Kiruthi is one of Kenya’s top photographers who quit his engineering job without to follow his passion for photography, despite not having the skill, at the time. Today, his photography business is worth millions of shillings.

Like Ben Kiruthi, you might be feeling like you have come to the end of the road in your current job, and you feel that this is the right time to make the next big move. The reality on the ground is that you deciding to quit your job might not be received well by most people, and especially your family. In addition to that, quitting your job to start a business or to monetize a passion may not be as rosy as most people hope for.

But if you have a vision for your life and are sure that quitting is the best decision you will ever do for yourself, by all means, take that leap of faith.

Most people fear to quit their job because they fear for the days to come. If you were used to getting a certain salary, quitting will mean not having money until you find another opportunity.

That said, it is always wise to save some money as you are working for a few months, to prepare you for the months when you will not be having a steady income.

Here is what Esther learnt after she quit her job to become a freelance writer

You Don’t Need the Approval of Others

When I would tell people about my plan to sprint away from my cubicle in favor of the freelance life, I so desperately wanted them to reassure me with statements like, “Oh wow, you’re so brave!” “Good for you!” or even a friendly and dad-like, “Go get them, tiger!”

Unfortunately, that’s not really what I got.

Instead, I was faced with a lot of, “Wait, you’re doing what?” types of comments. In the end, it really didn’t matter. I was the only one who needed to feel good about my decision. And I did—at least in between crying sessions. Yes, we all naturally crave approval and reassurance from others every now and then.

But, trust me, you don’t need it—at least not as much as you think you do.

It is okay to get scared

There’s a big part of being terrified that makes you want to run and cry—but the other piece is actually somewhat thrilling. In the first few days (ahem, alright, months) after leaving my full-time gig, I’d sit down at my computer and feel totally overwhelmed. Every day was a battle to try to scrounge up work and at least take one step in the right direction.

But, at the same time, I felt absolutely exhilarated. I had no idea what was coming next, and that actually made me feel surprisingly motivated and optimistic. It was one of the most distressing, nauseating, and anxiety-inducing times in my life—but it was also the most exciting.

You Never Know Until You Try

You have no idea what you’re capable of until you push yourself to try it. I’ll be honest—it’s not that I strongly disliked my full-time job. However, it didn’t set my heart on fire either. A big chunk of my duties were administrative.

And, while I did perfect the art of mail merging like a total boss, I didn’t really feel all that challenged or fulfilled by my work. However, as a self-described creature of habit, I think that I likely could’ve dealt with that safety net for the rest of my life.

Fast forward to now, and I’ve accomplished things that I never even thought were a possibility for me. I’ve been published places that I assumed were mere pipe dreams. I’ve worked with people who are essentially celebrities in my eyes. Just think—none of it would’ve happened if I had stayed with the “safe” route.

A career coach might help you make better decisions

If your decision to quit your current job for self-employment is not really because you want to pursue a passion but because you hate your current job and a new one is not forthcoming, then you may need to consult a career coach.

Some people get stuck in jobs they don’t like and seeking the best possible exit isn’t always the best answer to the problem. A career coach will help you evaluate the situation in an objective way and help you determine the best possible course of action.

 Your Career Really Doesn’t Define You

We all have the tendency to use our careers to define ourselves. But, it’s important to remember that your job isn’t who you are—it’s what you do. Your position definitely adds to your life, but it doesn’t make up the entirety of it.
When I left my job, I felt the need to justify my decision and clarify every last detail until people were literally snoring in front of me. There was this immense need to explain my employment situation in order to give myself a purpose and identity.

Turns out, that’s really not the case—all of that pressure to define myself using my career was totally self-imposed. In fact, most people honestly didn’t care if I was a dog walker or Baby Sitter.

So, if you’re contemplating taking your own leap of faith any time soon, I hope these lessons encourage you and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Read Also >>> 4 Things You Should Do Before Quitting Your Job

For career coaching services email lucy@corporatestaffing.co.ke