Image by Ed Yourdon via Flickr
I quit my real job years ago… of course everyone calls it a “Real” job because it’s what we are supposed to be doing.
Getting up every morning – and hitting the rush hour traffic.
It’s what pays the bills and it’s what our parents taught us to do – Right?
That scenario was not what my parents taught me… really. Oh – they talked about having a JOB as a good thing… but they were both self-employed for my entire life.
Leaving behind a job you’ve become accustomed to is never easy and there are many reasons that people say goodbye to a job.
- Some leave a job because they’ve outgrown the work and are no longer challenged mentally.
- Others leave because of office politics or poor pay despite all their hard work.
- A few leave a job because they’ve decided that it’s time to be their own boss.
The allure of making money from home attracts many people.Maybe that’s you and you’re planning a new and exciting future away from the same old grind but you’re not quite sure how to exit gracefully.
Never burn bridges. Though it’s tempting to finally get everything you’ve been holding in off your chest, you never know when you might need that former boss as a reference or as a networking opportunity, so make sure that you leave gracefully.
Give a two-week notice and clear everything out of your to-do box to make the transition easier for the next person who will fill your shoes. Gather all of the contact information from colleagues and customers so that you can stay in touch with those you like and also to form new loyalties in the future with your own business.
Remember that timing is important. While it’s great to dream, you can’t pay the mortgage with a dream. So get the finances in order before you wave adios to your boss. Plus, you don’t want the stress of finances nipping at your heels.
Work hard before you quit to pay a few months ahead on all of your utilities and credit cards and other financial obligations. Tuck away enough money in savings to get support yourself while your business is in the start up phase. You’ll be glad you don’t have that pressure.
Being your own boss is exciting, but it can also be trying if you’ve never been responsible for a business before. First, do your homework. Have a focused marketing plan for your business and put it to work.
Remember that most businesses don’t see profit overnight. But with a steady dedication you will succeed.
Don’t buy into the myth that you have to spend a lot of money to make money. Your business budget shouldn’t be spent on fancy gadgets for the office or advertising. Instead, look for all of the free avenues you can take to build your business.
Being your own boss can be wonderful or a pain in the neck. Not everyone is going to be “good at it”. Yes – working for yourself and learning to make money from home has a powerful pull for most of us that just don’t want to play the “game” any longer. Remember that it’s still work.
You may not have a JOB – but you still have lot’s of work to do and you will be working many long hours for little or no pay.
I love my work at home lifestyle... but it’s not for everyone. There are days that I sleep in or take a nap – and yet I still have to push ahead late into the night to get my work done. Otherwise – all that “stuff” is still going to be waiting for me tomorrow.
The “To Do List Fairy” has never visited my house and magically erased all the little tasks that must be accomplished every day.
Life will get in the way… it happens.
What you must remember is that Your Business Is The Most Important Thing On Your Plate. Don’t let anyone or anything get in your way of success.
Remember – I’m here for ya…
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