I've heard stories lately of people who quit their jobs and dove into entrepreneurship prematurely, only to fail and have to return within months.

It reminds me of an experience I had a few years ago as I was building my business.

It was 2019. My monthly side hustle income had just crossed the $2,000/month mark, and my only client asked if I could jump on a call. He then asked me if I would be interested in leaving my job as a bank manager to work for him full-time. He offered me the same salary I was making at the bank. (low six-figures)

My initial reaction was excitement - I was buzzing. Here I was, wanting so badly to leave the corporate world behind, and within a year of starting my side hustle, I had an opportunity to walk away from my job.

I told him I was very interested but would have to think about it, discuss it with my wife, etc. Deep down, I knew that the timing wasn't right. But at the same time, I wondered if I would get another opportunity like this one.

Laura's response was something like, "Colin, I trust you to make the right decision. If you think this is it, then I'm all in." (For the record, my wife is the most supportive person I have ever known).

So, I took the matter to a few close friends whose opinions I trust. All three had online businesses, and one had been a full-time entrepreneur for over 10 years.

All three told me (in their own words) that the timing didn't seem right and I would be taking an enormous risk.

As hard as it was to hear, I knew they were right. I wasn't ready.

I hadn't built up my emergency fund for my family to fall back on if needed. I only had one client. And that client could change their plans at any time. Sure, I would "be my own boss," but I was essentially moving from one full-time job to another.

I waited another three years. As the pandemic came and went, I continued building my business—I got better at my craft, I built relationships, I found more clients, and Laura and I prepared ourselves financially.

When the opportunity came around again, we were ready.

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I firmly believe the old saying that "nothing worth having comes easy." I also think that most people have what it takes to create a path out of the corporate world. But getting the timing right requires discipline and patience.

You know what can help? Having a plan that you can follow.

If you haven't checked out my "7-Step Road Map to Escape the 9-5," please do!

Have a great week!

- Colin

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