If you’re a full-time employee, chances are you have already thought about resigning to start your own business. While employment grants you the benefits of a stable income and benefits, running your own business can be more beneficial if you like to take charge of your own income. That said, becoming a business owner can be a big and risky step from your cushy 9-to-5; it takes a lot of guts and self-assessment to make that first step count.
The shift from employee to entrepreneur often starts on rough roads, especially if you don’t have a lot of resources and financial backing. Still, the dream of running a successful venture doesn’t have to be impossible as long as you have the motivation and foresight to pursue your dream.
If you’re dead set on leaving your job to pursue business ownership full-time, here’s a short guide to help you get started.
The first step to becoming a business owner is being sure that this path is right for you. Simply put, before you send that two-week notice to set up shop, you need to be fully convinced that entrepreneurship is the right option.
To start, you may need to reassess your motivation for starting a business. If you’re driven by the preconception that business owners make more money and set their own schedules, you could be left unprepared for the challenges and therefore unable to sustain your venture in the long run. Similarly, if you only want to start a business because you are dissatisfied with your job, you may want to consider shifting industries or finding work with another employer first.
On the other hand, if you have a vision for a feasible venture, a means for funding, and a rough plan for success, you’ve already laid the groundwork for a life-changing career shift.